ilili & Barbounia: two unique spins on the classic brunch
One is Lebanese in origin, and the other is Greek/Mediterranean. And, prior to my very recent return visits, the common thread that I found among both establishments was that each restaurant was underwhelming:
Barbounia: the food that I ordered was, to put it gently, mediocre at best.
ilili: while I enjoyed my meal, the service that we experienced was atrocious.
It wasn't until almost three years later, in ilili's case, and nearly four years, in Barbounia's, that I found myself brunching at both restaurants, literally, within weeks of each other. And the verdict? Well, having given each restaurant an ample amount of time to revamp their menus and/or fine-tune their service issues, I walked away from both meals a born-again believer.
Brunch at ilili
It had not even been 48-hours since my return from Hong Kong but, jet-lag be damned, I was eager to meet Deidre for brunch at Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar. Upon our arrival, we realized that Ayza did not open until 3pm and, clearly, did not host a Sunday brunch. "Where to?" Deidre asked. We were at the crossroads of No Man's Land Street and Restaurant Wasteland Avenue. "Let's just walk down 5th Avenue," I said, "surely, we'll run in to something."
As we walked by ilili, a light bulb went off in my head. I had recently read about their new brunch service and, without another option, Deidre and I decided to check it out. Upon being seated, I took a moment and looked around at the spacious, sophisticated dining room: most of the tables were occupied by Lebanese couples and families. This, I concluded, was a very positive sign.
ilili's brunch menu is divided in to two parts: a $27 prix fixe option, which includes coffee or juice, one alcoholic beverage (Pomegranate Cava, Mimosa, or Bellini), an entrée, and a side dish; or traditional a-la-carte. For Deidre and me, the decision to go "prix fixe" was a no-brainer. Choosing which appetizer and entrée to order, on the other hand, was a bit more difficult.
Our server was gracious and knowledgeable in answering questions pertaining to the menu. Below, you will find photographs of my meal with respective descriptions captioned under each picture:
Prix-fixe brunch at ilili: to wash down my meal, I chose to alternate sipping between coffee and a flute filled with delicious Pomegranate Cava
Prix-fixe brunch at ilili: for my entree, I chose the "Chakchouka Eggs in Cocotte." Served in a cast-iron skillet was a casserole-like dish composed of three sunny-side-up eggs and a deeply flavorful, spicy tomato sauce. An arugula salad and hash brown "dumplings" - a fancy version of tater tots - accompanied.
Prix-fixe brunch at ilili: as my side, I chose the "Mekanek," which were links of fragrant lamb sausage sauteed with olive oil and lemon. These little morsels paired harmoniously with the zesty eggs.
Prix-fixe brunch at ilili: pillowy and puffy handmade pita bread accompanied both my and Deidre's brunch entrees.
Conclusion
I wasn't just impressed with my brunch at ilili, I was blown away. From the monetary value of the prix-fixe option, to the quality of ingredients and passion added to each dish, I highly recommend sprinting, not walking, to this restaurant in order to experience this fabulous weekend treat for yourself. There have only been a few, not even a handful of, meals that delighted me from start to finish, and this brunch at ilili was, most certainly, one of them.
Brunch at Barbounia
On the Sunday before my younger sister was to return to Los Angeles after spending the Thanksgiving holiday in NYC with yours truly, we were invited to join her former college roommate for brunch. "Kelsey wants us to meet her at 1pm at some place called 'Barbounia,'" Leila said, "have you heard of it?" Simultaneously, I rolled my eyes, raised my left eyebrow, and crinkled my nose. "Crap, are you serious?" I grumbled, "Barbounia sucks." After my sister told me to "man up," and to "stop being such a food snob," she reminded me that Sunday was, in fact, her last day in town. "Fine," I said, "but I'm only going there because I love you."
When we arrived at Barbounia, I couldn't help but fall in lust with the restaurant's rustic, heart-warming space. Nearly every table was occupied by folks who were taking a much-needed break from their holiday shopping. Whether it was the seasonal cheer in the air, or the bustle of the restaurant, something about Barbounia seemed different.
After perusing the menu, Leila and I decided to split two entrées, while poor Kelsey was subjected to ordering grilled chicken and a side salad (she was in the midst of a cleanse).
Le menu
Brunch at Barbounia: I began my meal with warm, frothy cafe latte.
Brunch at Barbounia: handmade bread topped with sea salt crystals and herbs. Is there a better way to whet your appetite pre-entree? I think not.
Brunch at Barbounia - me and Leila's entree split, take 1: the photo of this "croque madame" does not do this dish justice. Gooey gruyere cheese, bechamel sauce, and salty strips of ham were sandwiched between two thick slices of buttery-toasted brioche - all before being topped with two sunny-side-up eggs. A simple side salad accompanied the 'croque.
Brunch at Barbounia - me and Leila's entree split, take 2: the second entree that my sister and I split were the "Morrocan Eggs." Served in a cast iron skillet, were sunny-side-up eggs simmering in a smoky, paprika-tomato sauce with garlic and house made merguez (lamb) sausage. You can imagine that this dish became electrified when eaten with Barbounia's freshly-baked bread.
Conclusion
Not only was the price right and the service fantastic - the food at Barbounia was incredibly delicious. I am so thrilled to have returned - after four years - with the notion that I cannot wait for my next Barbounia brunch.
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Until we eat again,
Lindsay, The Lunch Belle