A tradition passed down
through generations based upon love and respect can be found in a cup of coffee
and served by the only Ethiopian restaurant in Buffalo.
Lucy Ethiopian Cuisine
and Variety Store at the corner of Grant and Amherst streets takes pride in being able to serve its traditional
coffee, bunna, to its customers in a time honored Ethiopian tradition of
friendship.
“It’s a big deal in my
country, because they make coffee for someone they like, especially the
traditional way, it’s a way of expressing love and respect” said Naima Tesfu,
co-owner of Lucy Ethiopian.
To serve the most
authentic and tasty Ethiopian coffee to customers, special preparations were
taken months in advance to order the coffee beans directly from a farm in
Ethiopia.
“Making the coffee is
time consuming; we shell, roast and grind the coffee here,” said Tesfu.
On
Saturdays the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony takes place from 3 p.m. to
7 p.m. The preparations for the coffee must all been done in house, and the
coffee must be served in a special black pot for the truest of Ethiopian brew.
Lucy
Ethiopian will be offering private coffee ceremonies in the future, waiting to acquire smaller sets that can be
used at individual tables, said Tesfu.
Throughout
the week a mix of American/Ethiopian coffee is available for customers but if
Saturdays aren’t busy, Lucy Ethiopian isn’t opposed to impromptu
coffee ceremonies for their beloved customers, said Tesfu.
Customers
are frequently asking about the coffee service, and have been enjoying its
unique flavor, said Abba Biya, an employee.
“Some
people come in and ask about the coffee, even though it’s not Saturday, instead
of saying no, we try our best if it’s not too crowded in here, we want to make
our customers happy,” said Tesfu. By Mackenzie Clarke, Stephanie Delaunay and Cheri St. Croix
