Abugida Café
5-Course Retracing Ethiopian Roots Tasting Event
Opened in January of 2016, this Ethiopian eatery in Plaza Midwood is still reeling in accolades, including a place on Eater’s 2023 List of “18 Essentials” and Yelp’s “Top 10 Ethiopian in the US” List. Chef/Owner Yodite Mengesha immigrated at the age of 15 from Addis Ababa with her mother and three siblings, arriving in Washington DC and then settling in Queen City. Opening a restaurant was always her mother’s dream, as she was a renowned cook in her community. Chef Mengesha opened Abugida with her brother Zemaf, and here they serve such memorable fare as yemisir kik wat (split red lentils cooked with berbere sauce), Ethiopian cheese with gomen (chopped and seasoned collard greens), yedora tibs (chicken sauteed with rosemary, onions, and peppers) and what Charlotte Magazine calls “the city’s best injera” (a spongy flatbread made from teff flour). Abugida is yet another expression of America’s great story, whereupon immigrants come to our country and enrich our lives. We are excited to visit here, to sample the unusual dishes, and to learn more about Ethiopian’s great culinary traditions.
About the Host:
Yodite Mengesha
Chef/Owner
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Chef Yodite Mengesha moved to the US 20 years ago. After a brief stint in DC, she and her family settled in Charlotte, where she attended Winston Salem State University. Abugida Café is her first restaurant.
The Lineup
Courses #1, #2, and #5 will be served individually plated. Courses #3 and #4 will be served family style.
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Ethiopian Salad
heirloom tomato, onion, jalapeño
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Ethiopia Love
collard greens, homemade cottage cheese, herbal butter, mold spice
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Derek Tibs
lamb, onion, tomato, garlic, injera
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Sega Wot
beef, ethiopian sauce
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Tiramisu
mascarpone cream, ladyfingers, expresso, liquor
Abugida Café
3007 Central Ave
Charlotte, NC 28205
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $85 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event, we will be able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and food allergies except for those with dairy, gluten, vegetarian, nuts/seeds, or mushrooms restrictions. Please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at support@tastingcollective.com after you purchase tickets to let us know what your allergies/restrictions are.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, parking is available through their private lot and/or garage.
