You can call the ambiance of Barbounia chic, but too me it was chic without being pretentious. The setup was perfect, giving each table enough space, but still having a sense of that busy downtown feel. An open industrialized feel to the space with intricate lighting fixtures, brightly colored furniture, ultra modern paintings dressing the walls and by the bar area, hanging cured meats. Barbounia hit every spot of interests for it's variety of diners.
My guest and I arrived right around brunch time, so it was packed. From the bar to the tables there wasn't a vacant seat to be found. I assume the endless mimosa, bellini and bloody mary refills could have been the reason, which may I add were delicious! The bellinis were peachy, frothy and so refreshing. Three sips in and our waiter was back for a top off.
We took our seats and browsed the brunch menu. A basket of homemade croissants, pastry and warm, baked cheesy breads were placed upon the table. What was wonderful about Barbounia's menu was the inspiration from a slew of European cultures. Mediterranean fare was the focus as well as flares of Greek, Moroccan, south of France and southern Italian. Lets just say, something for everyone.
My favorite part of the entire experience was their open kitchen. There stood Executive Chef Efraim Naon attentive, wide eyed and serving up dish after dish. It was almost like the entire cooking staff was on stage and us diners were there to watch the story unfold.
Once our waiter had arrived we quickly agreed on two rounds of endless bellinis and a dozen of their east and west coast oysters. We were there for this aphrodisiacal happy hour, so we couldn't have passed up what we had come for! After putting in the most important part of the order, cocktails and fresh oysters (sounds pretty perfect to me) we decided to make some brunch time decisions.
Our waiter was extremely helpful and asked if we would like some recommendations, which to me is so important at any restaurant visit. A server that knows their menu inside out and upside down makes my life a lot easier. "Looking for spice? I got just the thing for you. How about something light and earthy? You have to try this!" I expect my waiter to know the menu as well as their chef.
Another bellini refill and out came our oysters. Twelve of the freshest oysters I have ever experienced. For this new Oyster Happy Hour, Bourbonia will be flying in the freshest shells of love from both the east and west coast daily. Malt vinegar, cocktail sauce, hot sauce and a homemade jalapeno tapenade dressed these mouthfuls of goodness. My guest and I were blown away by how fresh these oysters were. We could tell by the water and taste of the ocean salt that embodied each shell. Satisfying and refreshing all around.
Since it was mid afternoon we decided on the two speciality egg dishes which were recommended. Shakshuka Merguez, baked eggs (skillet style) with tomato sauce, paprika, garlic and homemade spicy lamb sausage. We also ordered Crab Benedict, fresh jumbo lump crab meat, poached eggs, spinach and truffle oil on top of two toasty english muffins. Both dishes were amazing. The Crab Benedict was both my and my guest's favorite. The freshness and whiteness of the crab along with the saute of the spinach and the yolky-ness of the eggs mended perfectly together. Even the small side scoop of homemade has brown potatoes were perfectly spiced with paprika and peppers.
The Shakshuka Merguez (oh what a mouthful) was exactly that. To me, it was more of a lunch dish than a breakfast choice, but the homemade lamb sausage, I couldn't get a enough of. Spicy and tender. I will admit I may prefer it over my common order of pork sausage. Three eggs topped the skillet and with a perfect puncture of our forks the yolk erupted into the brightly colored tomato red sauce. The colors on this dish were enough to make you want to order up a second round.
Barbounia will be serving up oyster happy hour deals as well as many others in the upcoming months. Make sure to come check out these great deals below from 3pm-7pm all week long.
Oyster Lager: two oysters and a bottle of lager beer - $6
Drunk Oysters: one oyster in a shot glass topped with cocktail sauce, vodka and fresh squeezed lemon juice - $3 per shot
Oysters in Love: two oysters and a glass of champagne - $7
Barbounia also serves, lunch, dinner as well as offers a prixe fixe menu for both lunch and dinner which includes an appetizer, entree and dessert for $24/$35.
I look forward to visiting Barbounia again and again! Another fabulous Manhattan find.
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