Another happy customer; Benjamin K. from #kansascity   #kansas   had this to say:

"We called a couple days prior to make a reservation for a Friday night for about 10 people.  Even though they don't "officially" take reservations, we have learned over the years of our bi-weekly group that it's not a bad idea to call ahead, especially on busier weekend nights.  We immediately knew +Awaze  would be a great experience when we were asked if there was anything the restaurant could do for us - decorate the table, have special foods, etc waiting for us - they really made us feel like special guests before we even showed up.

Friday night arrived, and I'd been reviewing the online menu all day, salivating at the Essential collection choice - which is all of the Ethiopian "appetizers", injera, and fried plantains.  The veggie/lentil sambussas (similar to Indian samosas) were calling my name as well.

8pm arrives and a part of our party was already there and raving over the Carribiean sorrel drinks, so we ordered a rum one and a honey wine one - strong and fantastic.

Our group ranged from devout meat-eaters to near-vegans, and the menu had plenty of options for all of us.  I am pretty sure between the 8 of us we ordered equally from the Ethiopian and Carribean sides of the menu.

The staff of Awaze cemented their place in our hearts before our appetizers even arrived when the chef came out to our table, holding something behind his back.  He asked if anyone at the table was a vegetarian, and when my girlfriend and I identified that we were, he asked our permission if (and then revealed the plate behind his back) he could give everyone else at the table a sample of the carribean jerk chicken.   Four large chunks of beautifully spiced and blackened chicken were laid out and promptly torn into by the rest of our table.

This may seem like a weird thing, but as vegetarians, we are used to not only limited menu choices, but being treated like an afterthought at best.  For the chef and staff to be so conscientious as to be concerned whether we'd have our generally iron-deficient sensibilities offended with this offer of free meat really made us smile.

Vince, Awaze's dj, kept the music fresh while we worked on our various appetizers until the main courses came out.  For a lot of people in our group, this was their first foray into Ethiopian-style food.  Everyone's meal portions were huge - however, when they brought out the Essential collection platter and sat it in front of my girlfriend and me, everyone's eyes lit up.  While we were the only veg-minded people in the group, everyone was extremely interested in the amazing colors, smells, and presentation.

We all quickly started tearing chunks of spongey injera bread and dipping into the colorful piles of greens, lentils, salad, and various preparations of meats.  A word to the inexperienced - don't be afraid to get a little messy with this stuff, although with a little experience and guidance from the waitstaff, you'll be throwing down perfectly bite-sized morsels of amazing in no time.  

Great conversation was had, the sorrel drinks kept flowing, and by 10:30 - 30 minutes after closing - we were ready to head out for a night of dancing.

We couldn't help but take the opportunity to applaud the chef and staff before heading out though - we were made to feel like VIPs all night and I'm glad everyone in our group took the chance to let Awaze know how much we appreciated their service.

We also discovered one other thing: +Awaze  is a great word to say when taking a picture!  You're gonna get teeth and huge cheek-smiles every time!"

Julie C. came all the way to #kansascity  to +Awaze to find amazing #ethiopian  and #caribbean  cuisine.  

"This is a hidden gem disguised as a store-front dive.  Those used to white table clothes and upholstered chairs may be disappointed.  Those who LOVE Ethiopian cuisine -- and those with adventuresome appetites -- will be very pleasantly surprised.  I have been a fan of Ethiopian food for over thirty years, and this is some of the best I have ever enjoyed.  

For those new to the cuisine:  it is served on a communal plate with a spongy bread called Injera.  One uses torn off pieces of Injera to wrap delectable morsels of food which you then pop in your mouth.  In other words, don't look for silverware.  It's not coming!

Start with samosas, we enjoyed both the meat and vegetarian (lentil based) options, and the fried plantains.  The sauce served with the samosas was unbelievable.  I transported a small bottle back to Arizona.  Best souvenir ever! For one of our main dishes we ordered kitfo which was out of this world.  Garlic, and other spices, made this buttery dish one to come back for -- often.  Be brave and order this uncooked which is how it is meant to be served.  It is marinated which "cooks" it a bit similar to ceviche "cooking" in lime juice.  The lamb tips were outstanding.  Tender, delectable morsels in a savory, and spicy, but not too spicy sauce.  We also enjoyed the vegetable combo served with three types of lentils, greens, and potatoes and carrots.  I could happily make a meal out of just the veggie combo.  It was that good.  

Try the honey wine.  We had it three ways:  room temperature, chilled, and over ice.  It was three very different drinks, and I cannot tell you my favorite.  The owners are charming, warm and wonderful people who seem to genuinely love what they are doing.  The husband is the chef, and he came out of the kitchen to make sure everything was to our satisfaction.  He came out again to say goodbye.

I am one sorry woman since I don't live in Kansas City.  I would eat here often if I did.  Looking forward to my next visit.  Like everyone else, not sure if I should branch out to the Caribbean side of the menu or stick with out of Africa.  Unfortunately, I have a lot of time to think about it.  Go and enjoy!  You won't be disappointed."

High in vitamins and minerals, with pow we full antioxidant properties. It helps lower elevated blood pressure, bad cholesterol and detoxify the entire body. Sorrel.....The new super juice. Now at +Awaze 

#super   #juice   #kansascity   #jamaican  

Introducing Sorrel, pronounced (SA-rell). Sorrel has a whole host of antioxidant packed flavanoids as well as significant health benefits including preventing inflammation, lowering blood-pressure, & protecting the body from the effects of cancer.

#healthy   #antioxidants   #jamaica  

--- It's another +Awaze  FRI with Vinz Brown, DJ.
"Adventures in Classic Cool". -

#fridaynight   #kansascity   #djmix   #comeoutandplay  

Looking for the #best   #placestoeat  in #kansascity ? 

Check out Yelp user Billie H.'s list of the top restaurants in +Kansas City and  +Awaze at #3 and moving up.  

#stpatricksday  Funky Reggae Party at +Awaze right now and tonight!  Get on down here!

#stpatricksday2014   #kansascity   #mondaymotivation  

St Patricks Day Funky Reggae Party at +Awaze 

#kansascity   #stpatricksday   #party   #nightlife  

Prince will be Dj Vince Brown's featured artist tonight (Friday March 7th) from 5 to 9pm. All Prince...all night long.