It is thought that the energizing effect of the coffee bean plant was first recognized in Yemen in Arabia and the south west of Ethiopia, and the cultivation of coffee expanded in the Arab world. So I think it is appropriate to start my Ethiopian Eat This! tour with the wonderful elixir of life...COFFEE!
For many, coffee is more than a daily drink, it's a; must have before this lazy ass rolls out of bed, or right of passage, or as is the case in Italy...meeting place. Well, I'm sure that is all true in Ethiopia too, however, since this is the "birthplace" it has a little more tradition than just the 37 years of history Mr. Coffee has in the states.
I had coffee at three different places during my stay in Ethiopia. I took the above video in the lobby of the Hilton, Addis Ababa. This lady roasts the bean right before you and then grounds it and prepares a ceremonial cup of coffee for you. The taste is a little bitter, but the smells of freshly roasted coffee makes up for that...plus it only costs roughly 30-cents.
The next place I went to was in the city...I mean...in the city. Addis Ababa has everything you would expect to see in a thriving African country; paved roads, western-looking buildings, banks, and shanty-towns. However, Ethiopia has something most African countries do not:
THEY'RE HOOKED ON THE BEAN OF LIFE YA'LL!
The first place I went to was Alem Buna. It was just a few minutes away from the hotel. As you can tell, at 6'2"...I was a giant in Ethiopia.
This is what Alem Buna is famous for...The Darko. It is much like the Italian Machiato, but with more coffee...and btw, the coffee is very intense and rich. To date this is the BEST CUP OF COFFEE I'VE EVER HAD!
This is Mohammed...one of the drivers!
This is Guy "Woody" Wood
This is Guy "Woody" Wood
The coffee bean transportation system has not changed much over the years. What has changed is just how much we pay for it. Now prepare yourselves...To the right you see a man sending coffee on donkeys. Clearly a very expensive mode of transportation. Above you see three men enjoying "Organic, Ethiopian Plantation coffee." Cost for all 3 coffees: $0.50
If you're a coffee drinker like me, then you MUST demand that all coffee be brought in on the back of an ass!
The last place Mohammed and I went to was called Tamoka. This place is also where the UNICEF friend I met on the plane and all of the tourists in the hotel suggested I go to buy coffee to bring home. Tamoka was little more gritty on the inside, but the smell of their beans was incredible. I was ready to once again be WOWED! Both places "hand-pumped" their espresso makers. The sounds and smells of this joint had my senses working overtime. The coffee was very good. Bold, dynamic and full. However, I prefered Alem Buna. I did buy my full-alloted amounts of whole bean and ground bean from both places.
If you're a coffee drinker like me, then you MUST demand that all coffee be brought in on the back of an ass!
The last place Mohammed and I went to was called Tamoka. This place is also where the UNICEF friend I met on the plane and all of the tourists in the hotel suggested I go to buy coffee to bring home. Tamoka was little more gritty on the inside, but the smell of their beans was incredible. I was ready to once again be WOWED! Both places "hand-pumped" their espresso makers. The sounds and smells of this joint had my senses working overtime. The coffee was very good. Bold, dynamic and full. However, I prefered Alem Buna. I did buy my full-alloted amounts of whole bean and ground bean from both places.
2 comments:
Ooooh! Wish I'd known you were going to Addis. I have great restaurant recommendations and a FANTASTIC day spa where you can get a one hour massage for about $12. Too bad you stayed at the Hilton and not the Sheraton. There is absolutely no comparison.
:-)))))
OMG...I can smell the beans from here!
Nice review Chris!
(Hope you're feeling better! :-)
Peace!
Liz
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