The Bahamas was great- although the weather there was 'cold' for the last two days (60s-ha) Eric and I had a blast and really enjoyed the trip!
We went to the different pools and numerous water rides (yes, I even went on the leap of faith) and enjoyed a lot of great food! Sadly, this post will not be about a restaurant we ventured to in the Bahamas (It's all on Eric's camera and he needs to upload them) but about a nice little place in the city we went to after the Bahamas!
This past weekend, relaxed and prepared (sort of) for the NYC weather, the Monkey family decided to get together and have a little reunion! I was so excited and I couldn't think of anything better to do on a Saturday!
My big made reservations at Barbounia, a nice Mediterranean place located on Park and 20th street. She told me that she goes there basically every weekend- so I knew it must be good!Apparently, the monkey family has been there before- and I was so excited to join them this time!
I was starving when I got there, and it took a lot of will power to not order too much off the menu. I was having a hard time choosing between the crab benedict and the mushroom and asparagus pizza (mainly due to the fact that both dishes had truffle oil). I ended up with the crab benedict while Eric got the smoked salmon benedict.
My crab benedict was good. The best part being, of course, the truffle oil! I really appreciated the fact that the truffle oil was mixed in with the crab meat (and not just drizzled on top)- I really got that strong truffle oil flavor out of every bite and really got to enjoy every single moment of my dish! I'm pretty sure that I really enjoyed this dish solely thanks to the truffle oil addition- as it was just a plain (but good) benedict besides that unique perk.
I didn't get to taste Eric's smoked salmon benedict but it looked the same and I can imagine, would have tasted the same (except really not as good because it didn't have truffle oil ;))- but he seemed pretty happy!
What did Eric really enjoy? My Big's Granola. After hitting the table, Eric completely forgot about his dish and totally focused on my big's granola. Eyeing her dish after every bite- I knew he was secretly hoping that she didn't finish it!
The Granola looked great- topped with plenty of fresh fruit and yogurt- it looked healthy and fresh and (sort of) guilt free! Yum!
Me being the glutton that I am, I of course had to get dessert.
For the past few days, I was on a rice pudding binge and couldn't stop eating rice pudding at every restaurant I went to! Coincidentally, rice pudding was on the menu and it took a lot of will power to resist and try something else. Boy am I mad at myself for doing so.
We got the Malabi. I got it because it sounded interesting- Rose water custard with strawberries and pistachios. The rose water interested me and I was very curious as to how it would be.
Ok, so the dessert wasn't necessarily bad but it definitely was not to my liking. I felt like I was eating a rose candle. The presentation was great and according to Eric 'the bowl is the best part about this dessert' but the flavor was very overwhelming and.. really... tasted like a candle. Hey, at least I tried something different?
Alright, so granted I didn't have a good ending to my brunch- the time spent was priceless. I can't believe I'm a big^5! The monkey family is really filled with such smart, unique and impressive girls- I am so proud to say that I am part of their family! I had a great time spending brunch with the girls and really enjoyed listening to their stories and reminiscing about the house. After a day with them- it is clearly obvious how awesome the Monkey Family is.
Like I said, what's better than good friends and good food? Nothing.
Price: $$
Ambiance: A-
Service: B+
Food: B+
