Mazie’s Restaurant & Bar

Wanting to try a new Ethiopian restaurant near Arlington, I checked here for any contenders and Mazie’s restaurant got a stellar review from someone who has sampled a wide variety of Ethiopian cuisine in the DC area. That being my experience as well, I checked it out and I wholeheartedly agree, it is some of the best Ethiopian food I have had in the DC area, if not the best. Now my palate is not as developed to be able to go into detail about the various stimulating aromas and tastes, but it was definitely more flavorful than the usual fare I’ve had, and Ethiopian food is flavorful in itself.
One thing that almost kept me away is the strip mall it’s in as it is always congested and there are always hold ups but there are so many gems crammed into that little area that it’s worth the effort. I was there in the evening and there were more than a few spots so it’s hit or miss as far as that goes. I also was the only customer and had a very attentive and helpful server. Not sure if there was a happy hour but my Amstel Light’s were $ 4 which seems like a great price since I don’t remember the last time I paid less than $ 6 but I rarely get that particular brand. Meal-​wise, I had the Special Kitfo, leb-​leb style (half-​cooked, half raw) and that was incredible. I am used to spice so I devoured it with the mitmita (hotter spice offered) but without it, the kitfo itself had a great mild spice to it. The ayb (cottage cheese of sorts) was so creamy and fresh it was mouth-​watering. I have never had ayb that good in recent memory. Many times it’s drier and crumbly. I never considered that a detraction but this particular style is definitely preferable to me now after having it. I decided to add the Shiro Bozena as well since that is also one of my favorite Ethiopian dishes and it was without a doubt, the best I had ever had. A friend told me shiro is not the meal to get in a restaurant but if she went here, she would recant her statement or at least make an exception. The shiro’s flavor was rich and layers of spices while the meat was so tender. Frankly, I was caught off guard by the tenderness of the meat as I was not used to seeing that. And the fact that they have teff injera, any restaurant that serves that is a plus in my book. It may cost extra, it may taste different for some, but it is the real deal meal and it is much healthier than the one seen in most restaurants and markets. It is also more flavorful for those that enjoy the sourdough-​like taste of injera. I hope that this restaurant does well and gets the attention and customer-​base it deserves. They are doing a lot of things right and well, and I for one will be back again and again.

I wanted to take a moment to sing the praises of a new Ethiopian restaurant that I discovered recently in my travels. The name of the place is Mazie’s Restaurant & Bar located in the Build America Plaza on South George Mason Drive in Falls Church, VA. This little strip mall is actually home to quite a few very good Ethiopian restaurants. My intention was to eat at one of the other places in the mall but due to congested parking in front of the building I circled around the back and happened upon Mazie’s and I am very happy that I did! Mazie’s is a medium-​sized establishment with a nice central bar and about ten or twelve tables cozily spaced about the room to allow for comfortable dining with good leg room. The interior is immaculately clean and has a charming rustic feel to it. There is a small stage area in the back of the restaurant, which I was told hosts live entertainment on weekend evenings. I ventured into the restaurant at the noon hour and more or less had the place to myself. The hostess who attended to me was very nice and helpful, patiently answering my questions and periodically checking with me to see if there was anything I needed. The excellent Ethiopian coffee I was served before my meal was a perfect gateway to the delicious meal that followed. The menu was populated with all the customary dishes one would expect to find at a quality Ethiopian restaurant and after due consideration I chose the Bozena Shiro (my favorite Ethiopian food) and the Misir Wot (spicy red lentils) with the teff injera. As I received my meal I was instantly impressed by the mouthwatering aromas rising up from my platter. The food more than lived up to this advance billing as it delighted my taste buds with an array of sumptuous exotic flavors. The misir wot was fantastic, richly flavored, full-​bodied and perfectly spiced with berbere. And the Bozena Shiro was absolutely the most delicious shiro I have ever eaten anywhere (and I have frequented most of the Ethiopian restaurants in the Greater D.C. area). There are a few places in the area that make really exceptional shiro (Bati in this same mall and Enjera in Crystal City easily come to mind) but the bozena shiro at Mazie’s is a masterpiece unto itself! The dish is thick and creamy with a very generous portion of tender beef mixed in to it and a lingering spiciness that sets it apart from the pack. Trust me when I say that every bite was like a mystical experience! The excellent hostess kept me adequately fueled with piping hot Ethiopian coffee during my meal and the post-​meal coffee and glass of red house wine were the perfect dessert to cap a most satisfying dining experience. If you decide to give Mazie’s a try (and I highly recommend that you do) remember that it is located in the back of the mall. If you see the 7 – 11 in front when you turn into the mall think of Mazie’s as being in the same location, only in the back. As soon as more Ethiopian food lovers begin to discover what an absolute gem Mazie’s is, you can expect it to be harder and harder to get a seat here. I suggest you beat a path here now and avail yourself of the delectable food and wonderful service while this excellent establishment is still in it’s infancy!