Almost A Great Catch

Lately, I’ve been curious about what the names of restaurants mean when they are in a foreign language. After a little research, I learned that “barbounia” is a red mullet fish found in the Mediterranean waters near Greece, and is thus very common in the Greek cuisine. Seems fitting for a Greek restaurant then! They do have it on the menu, but I was going to Barbounia for brunch, and didn’t think little, fried, whole fish sounded so appealing at noon!

If you have ever walked down Park Avenue South, then you know just how many lofty, upper-end restaurants there are. Barbounia is a newer (opened in 2006) addition that sits on the corner of 20th & Park. From the second you step food in the restaurant, it quickly becomes apparent that you are in a Greek/Mediterranean restaurant. White tiles cover the floors, large columns and archways are scattered throughout the place with very high ceilings to match. One of my friends commented that she felt like we weren’t in NYC when in this restaurant, between the sheer size and the décor of the restaurant. It’s a beautiful space, if not a little bit over-decorated with fake plants and fruit baskets everywhere you look. The bar area is very nice too, and becomes pretty lively and crowded after work and in the evenings.

We were seated at a nice table in the center of the restaurant and began perusing the menu. A basket of bread was brought out, and was filled with the most delicious, fresh breads. Some were similar to a pita, and some were very sweet with cinnamon and raisins.

There were the usual brunch items, but I felt like I needed to get something more authentic. I ended up ordering the Spanikopita that came with a side salad. The menu describes the dish as crispy phyllo triangles filled with spinach and feta, but there were no triangles to be found. What came out looked almost like a pastry - it was round and coiled like a cinnamon roll. Regardless, it was absolutely delicious…super crispy and flaky, very flavorful, and a perfect proportion of feta to spinach. The mixed greens had a very good vinaigrette and was a nice compliment to the spanikopita. My friends both ordered egg dishes that were served with potatoes. One got the Athenian omelette with spinach and caramelized onions, and the other got the eggs benedict. They both enjoyed their dishes a lot too.

I had read a lot of reviews before finally making it to Barbounia about how terrible the service was, and I have to say, I couldn’t agree more. Our waiter barely spoke English, which made it very difficult to ask questions about items on the menu. If he had been Greek, I would’ve let it slide because of the authenticity! But, to work in a restaurant and not be able to communicate the dishes you are serving to your customers is pretty ridiculous. He was MIA when we did need him, but hovered while waiting for us to finish up and pay our check. After all of the dining out I’ve done lately, I think that has quickly become one of my biggest pet peeves.

Despite this, though, I try not to let poor service ruin an otherwise good dining experience between the atmosphere, food, and company. If you are in the mood for some really good Greek food, definitely check out Barbounia. But just walk in with a boatload of patience.

Barbounia
250 Park Avenue South
@ 20th Street
website
Menu Pages listing

Only A Little Windex Needed

The Murray Hill neighborhood isn't exactly known for its fine cuisine. Don't get me wrong, there are some great restaurants, but there are also a lot more not so great ones. These not so great ones are made up of the following: dozens of frat bars, chinese and sushi spots only worthy of take-out, and pizzerias. I feel it is my civic duty as a Murray Hill-er to spotlight the good ones!

Ethos is located on 3rd Avenue on a block with 5 other restaurants...and is definitely the best of the bunch. The atmosphere is really warm and comfortable that creates a Greek vibe without making you feel like you're on the set of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." The tables can get a little tight on a busy night, but they are always prompt at seating you. In the summer, the front windows open to make it feel like you're dining at a Mediterranean cafe...even if it just Murray Hill.

I've had a number of the appetizers in past trips to Ethos. All were excellent, especially the tzatziki and portobello mushroom saganaki. But, on this visit, I shared two dishes with my friend. We split the Greek salad and the (say it with me now!) Kotopoulo Giouvetsi, which is a chicken dish baked in a pot, along with orzo, feta, and tomato sauce. It's fantastic...the chicken is so tender because of how it's prepared, and the flavor of the sauce is great too. They also have a huge variety of fresh fish that are served whole. Not my cup of tea, but for those of you who like that, other diners really seemed to enjoy it.

Now, I am a big fan of this restaurant, but I have to point out that the service is just so-so. They rushed us to order twice, but then when it came time to ask for the check, we waited about 20 minutes to get our waiter's attention. I'll chalk it up to eating in the European style...nice and leisurely. I wouldn't cross Ethos off my list because of this, but I would make sure that I don't have anywhere to be after the meal.

Two things to note...they bring out a dessert on the house that I can only describe has delicious. It's a filo dough pastry with cinnamon and apple, covered in honey and powdered sugar. Great way to end a good meal! And also, my friend has ordered take-out from Ethos and said that every order includes fresh pitas and this dessert.

The father in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" always said how Windex will cure anything. Ethos may need a little Windex on its service, but none is needed for its food. To that I'll say "Opa!"

Ethos
495 3rd Avenue
b/t 33rd & 34th Streets
website
Menu Pages listing

It's all Greek to me

I love Greek food, but there aren't too many options near my apartment. Last night seemed like the perfect opportunity to try a new Greek restaurant in a new neighborhood. After a little research, and remembering my old boss at NYMag mentioning their rave review in the New York Times, I decided on Snack Taverna in the West Village.

We all know New York City has countless incredible restaurants. But, in my experience, it's not often enough to go to a restaurant that gets it all right. Sometimes it's poor service, other times it's mediocre food. I've sure you've all had your fair share of "off" dining experiences. Snack Taverna has managed to avoid all of those potential problems and made for a perfect meal.

First, the location...It's located on one of those quaint West Village streets that could seriously used as a movie set. That is, if you can find it! Those diagonal, named (as opposed to numbered) streets can be a little confusing. So typical though...as I'm working my way west from 6th Avenue hoping to find the restaurant without walking in circles, two older ladies stop to ask me for directions. Good thing Miss Menu had been to the restaurant they were asking about!

But once I walked in the door, it was definitely worth the little detour. The restaurant has a great atmosphere. Greek music was playing but not in that cheesy, "smashing-plates-on-the floor" way. There were only maybe 12 tables, but it somehow doesn't seem cramped the way some small restaurants do. The waiter was really helpful, especially with being patient as I totally botched the names of the dishes I was ordering. I'm sure he was laughing with me though, right?! And it was encouraging to hear that he was actually Greek. I ordered 4 things to share, and every single dish was unbelievable.

So if you're looking for a great place to go with a date, or with a group of friends, I'd definitely recommend Snack Taverna. Great atmosphere, great service, and even greater food. All I have left to say is...Opa!

As always, some suggestions:
- Order the tzatziki. It is hands down the best I have ever had. And with fresh pita...perfection.
- Avoid the wine that mentions hints of pine. I love the way a Christmas tree smells, but I'd really rather not drink something that tastes like it!
- This may sound weird, but for a laugh and an "only in New York" moment, take a visit to the restrooms. They are literally the size of my coffee table.

Snack Taverna
63 Bedford Street
@ Morton Street
Menu Pages listing