ABYSSINIA
RESTAURANT

There aren't many Ethiopian restaurants in the Triangle; come to think of it, there may only be one. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant, located on the backside of Mission Valley Shopping Center and right across from N.C. State, may be located in an older strip mall, but once the aromas hit your nose and the food hits your stomach, you'll be transported to another world. In this cuisine, much of what's ordered is brought to your table in a soupy form, much like Indian cuisine. That's why almost everything comes with a side of Injera, a spongy crepe-like bread that is used to scoop up items like Kay Wat, prime beef cubes simmered in a red pepper sauce; Yebeg Alicha, pieces of lamb braised slowly in turmeric sauce; and Miser Wat, cracked lentils cooked in a spicy red pepper sauce and served with salad and your choice of cabbage or collard greens (collard greens recommended). For dessert, have a piece of baklava or a lady's finger and a cup of either the Ethiopian coffee or spiced tea. Abyssinia also has a full liquor license, as well as very reasonably priced beer and wine (beer prices don't exceed $2.99 and glasses of wine are just $3.99). -- by Erica Hinton AOL Cityguide