We are foodies, just full disclosure here. We have traveled full-time in our RV from city to city around the country for the past 7 years. We rarely eat at a chain and we nearly always use Yelp (and when pushed for ideas will use Google Maps). Our searches are for "uncommon to us" or local foods or foods we are hungry for or miss.
Gojo's was found in a search for the exotic and we were willing to drive the 1 hour for a new experience. We have had African food but never specifically Ethiopian.
The outside of the building was an unassuming strip center. When we passed thru the door however we felt as if we were on the African continent. Bright colors and interesting tables with straw cone shaped table covers. It appeared to be a method of keeping food warm or keeping away flies if in Africa (there were no flies in this restaurant).
There is a full bar, a dance floor and small band stand. Near the bar is a sitting area with carved stools and more of those cone table things. This appeared to be a "conversation pit" of sorts. I understood more about this after we were served.
The waiter took our drink order and gave us menus. When he returned, we placed an order for a Vegg Combo and a Meat Combo. There were 4 in our party. 2 of us ordered cokes and they were served in the can (no glass or ice). It seemed odd but we went with it. 1 ordered hot tea and the other ordered Ethiopian Coffee. The comments on tea and coffee were positive.
The meal was served on what seemed to be a metal pizza pan about 15 inches in diameter. The pan was covered with a spongy looking bread-ish thing and the veggies were grouped in little piles around the pan and in the center. It was very attractive. The meat was basically the same.
The meat was chicken, beef and lamb. The lamb was mild and delicious in a brown gravy, the beef was much more spicy and peppery in a red sauce and the chicken was the spiciest of all.
The veggies were two types of lentils, carrots and green beans, yucca, cabbage, creamed corn, and collards. Most seemed the be fermented or pickled. All were very tasty and spiced nicely.
We asked the waiter about the spongy stuff that was rolled in baskets set on our table. At first they looked like wash clothes. That made sense as we knew Ethiopian food is commonly eaten with your hands. It was extremely soft and pliable but not doughy; the taste was very neutral and is used to scoop up and eat the food. The texture may be a problem for some but I found it a fun way to eat.
The consensus of the 4 of us was the food was "good to delicious" while one found the spicy food too hot. She usually doesn't like peppery food so that was no surprise (big sissy). 2 of us would go back but the two mid westerners said probably not. They did enjoy the experience however.
Now back to the conversation pit tables. The tables were the size of the pizza pan, duh, as were the cones. Ingenious! So apps are likely served like our meals and placed on these cool tables.
Fun place to try if you are adventurous. The bill including the tip was $36.00. read more