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Issue 00479 |
July 28 - August 3, 2007 |
issn 0856 - 9135 |
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Dining Out |
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Spices and Herbs Not Just Ethiopian
Our Correspondent One of the best things about Spices and Herbs is the depth of their repertoire. Although many people pigeonhole them as a high end Ethiopian restaurant, there is much, much more to it. Spices and Herbs also boasts a gift shop, and a hotel with 20 rooms. Not only that, the management has made great strides in adding to the types of chow available. The menu contains a variety of continental, Tanzanian, and barbecued delights. In fact, outside seating, including both patio and garden has been expanded for the purpose of giving added attention to the fantastic barbeque. The restaurant is set up for either casual or slightly formal dining. The tables are set with a candle and fresh flowers. The restaurant interior is relaxed and cozy-- perfect for a date or a larger dinner group. The art is exceptional; the walls are adorned with beautiful batiks, woodcuts, and photographs. In one corner a very friendly parrot resides and inexplicably never squawks. There are even a few photos of the proprietor meeting Bill Clinton and Jesse Jackson. I got a chance to speak with Anne Rweyemamu, one of the proprietors. Apparently Spices and Herbs received the honor of catering an event during Clinton's visit to Arusha. Anne was extremely kind and quite accommodating. She mentioned that the restaurant had been operating for over twelve years. These twelve years have allowed the staff to refine and expand their menu. Too many people seem to be unaware of the variety of delicious cuisines available at Spices and Herbs. Anne emphasized that the Ethiopian food was extremely authentic. They have real Ethiopians in the kitchen! In keeping with the authenticity of the cuisine, a waitress came with warm water and soap. She poured the water over our hands to rinse, then provided a soft towel to dry our hands. Now we were ready to eat. A large silver platter arrived; a base of injera or sourdough Ethiopian flat bread was covered with dollops of various exotic dishes. We slowly (only at first) tore pieces of bread and picked up globs of fantastically flavored stews. My favorite individual dish was the curried green beans, but the best part was the wide variety of flavors and textures spread out on the injeera. Soon we abandoned our slow pace and began to masticate at a terrifying speed. I must admit that it is possible that the heady mixture of black label whiskey and red wine contributed to our enthusiastic gluttony. All in all we were completely satisfied, having sampled perhaps six or seven dishes. Anne then suggested a cup of fine Ethiopian coffee to complete the meal. The coffee was some of the best that I have sipped in Tanzania. And I should note in concluding that Spices and Herbs is quite willing to accommodate parties and events, they'll even arrange for live music. Spices and Herbs is not far from the Impala Roundabout and nearby La Bella Luna.
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