Blue Nile — Restaurant in Houston

During my recent visit to Blue Nile, a concerning and potentially life-threatening incident unfolded due to a severe allergic reaction triggered by a miscommunication regarding the dish I had ordered. The series of events that followed highlighted significant flaws in communication and attention to customer safety at the restaurant.

After realizing that the dish I had been served was lamb instead of beef, despite my repeated clarifications to the waiter about my allergy, I immediately informed her of the error. The waiter consulted the kitchen staff, who insisted that the dish was indeed beef, leading to further confusion and distress.

Upon tasting the meat and experiencing a strong reaction to the gaminess, my throat began to itch intensely, quickly escalating to a point where I felt my throat tightening and started choking. In a moment of urgency, I swiftly took a Benadryl to address the allergic symptoms and prevent a more severe reaction.

To my shock and dismay, the manager approached our table and conducted a hasty inspection by digging into my plate with her spoon, asserting that the dish contained beef, not lamb. Despite this reassurance, subsequent testing by my doctor revealed that the meat was, in fact, lamb, contradicting the restaurant's claims.

In the aftermath of this distressing incident, my family and I undertook a beef panel and lamb panel to confirm the source of the allergen, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the critical need for accurate communication and diligence in food preparation and service.

This alarming experience at Blue Nile underscores the vital importance of clear communication, meticulous attention to detail, and rigorous adherence to customer dietary requirements and allergies in the restaurant industry. The failure to accurately identify and address allergens in dishes poses a significant risk to customer health and safety, as demonstrated by the severe consequences of this miscommunication.

As a valued customer who has previously enjoyed dining at Blue Nile, I am deeply disappointed by the lack of care and oversight that led to this dangerous allergic incident. I implore the restaurant management to take immediate measures to improve their protocols for handling customer allergies and ensure that such lapses in communication and food preparation are rectified to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the harrowing experience of suffering a severe allergic reaction at Blue Nile due to a mislabeled dish serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of diligence, accuracy, and respect for customer allergies in the hospitality industry. It is my sincere hope that this incident prompts meaningful change and a renewed commitment to prioritizing customer safety and well-being...

Be open-minded and ready to experience the unique, healthy, acclaimed cuisine of East africa. Bring plenty of extra napkins and sanitizer as this is definitely a finger food unlike anything you've ever sampled. Be sure to let your server know of your dietary restrictions. Teff grains (sourdough-similar pancake-resembling bread their entrees are served on) are among the smallest in the world. They are high in fiber and highly addictive, but beware! The grains expand more than most, so you may weigh down your midsection quickly if you eat too fast. Pace yourself and embrace the culture!

Keep in mind that Inner city rent (Upper Kirby near River Oaks) correlates to higher menu prices here. Not excessively so, but be prepared to spend around twenty dollars a person for a sampler entree/app & entree.

I would highly recommend their samplers, as you are given ample portions to last 2-3 meals. If you're going with someone else, try splitting the veggie sampler or mixed; as both are plenty to get two people full.

Restaurant and it's restrooms are both squeaky clean. Lots of Ethiopian artifacts, advertisements, artwork & adornments decorate the walls. They truly did a fantastic job decorating.

Call ahead to get a Traditional Coffee Service. I highly recommend it for the cultural enrichment. It comes with freshly popped, red-and-blue kernel popcorn and very strong, very thick and unforgettable, quality coffee (Ethiopian beans, brewed Ethiopian style!)

If you like Indian food, Mediterranean and middle eastern food; you'll love this dining experience! other world variantz with Your pallate will be in heaven! Great for business gatherings, birthdays,

For a food a bit lighter And a taste more authentic Try Blue Nile with a friend Your palate will...

I give a full five for their hospitality and patience. The interior fittings and a lingering scent of Frankincense in the air completed the atmosphere of Ethiopia. a country which I have visited a few times.

For a Tuesday night (9 pm), the place was nearly full. 50-60 diners. Yet, two Ethiopian ladies attended on the diners with great patience and never fading broad smiles. May their hands and feet never pain.

The menu is bilingual. English and Ethiopian (in Amharic script), which felt like an assurance that Ethiopians also dined here. A variety of cuts of lamb, beef and poultry were listed on the menu. I was eager to find goat meat. But there was none. However, the lady who helped me make my choice quickly came up with alternate choices. I went by her recommendation and opted for a "Lamb on the Bone" dish. My dining companion ordered a Chicken Dish. Both dishes were served with Injera, a type of crêpe made from sourdough enlivened Teffe flour.

I also noticed a few Community Plates, which should offer more variety. This is typically served in a large plate and two or more people, usually family members or intimate friends, dine from the same plate.

If it were not so late in the evening, I should have topped it off with a few cups of coffee, the Ethiopian style, topped with fresh Tenadam leaves (they spared me some, which I added to my morning coffee the next day).

Most dishes are priced between $14.00 and $19.00. I think those are moderate for an authentic exotic restaurant like this one.

They have a parking lot attached to their premises with space for about 15-20 cars. (As a gesture of courtesy to fellow diners, please do not park your SUVs and...