Named for the revered ancient river whose life-giving waters cascade through Ethiopia, Blue Nile brings vibrantly hued, flavorful tastes of Ethiopian cuisine stateside. The kitchen buzzes as chefs concoct traditional Ethiopian dishes using fresh ingredients such as red beets, whole brown lentils, and homemade sauces. Along with dishes featuring flavorful cuts of beef, chicken, and lamb, the menu also boasts many popular vegan and vegetarian dishes, each voted as such in their high-school yearbooks. Further proof of Blue Nile’s dedication to upholding Ethiopian culture is evidenced in the dining room, where the staff welcomes guests to chow down in the traditional manner of sharing meals table-wide and eating with their hands or scooping up bites with injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread.