Middle Eastern Delight in Midtown
In the heart of midtown on the east side of the city is Al Bustan restaurant with its newly opened Ab Lounge. With the many bars and eclectic stores in this neighborhood the Lebanese cuisine by Executive Chef Elias will make you wonder what the rest of this region has to offer. With small addition such as the classic blended garlic or spicy Lamb, chicken and even bread will never taste the same.
Once you enter through the doors, you are met with a classically designed atmosphere for the more sophisticated customer but head downstairs to the lounge and it’s a different set of rules. Always classy, the downstairs hideaway is less formal with its mahogany décor, a bar in the middle and a big flat screen TV on the front wall. Much more informal that its upstairs counterpart, co- owner Eli creates magical concoctions such as the drink specialty Rose Mojitio made with a natural rose essence that is very distinctive to Lebanon.
Whether you want to hang out with friends or coworkers, you can partake of the array of cocktails, or the extensive menu with mouth watering dishes like grilled or sautéed Quail, Kafta yoghurt lieh, a minced lamb topped with sour yogurt and garlic or Shawarma Lahme, sliced beef marinated in red vinegar and spices. From full menu to bar food, the kitchen is open until 11 p.m. There is no favoritism- what you eat upstairs is the same as downstairs.
Since it’s my first time eating Lebanese food, I had no idea what to expect but as Elias began with a mixture of hot and cold appetizers, and dishes rich in lamb, cinnamon, vegetables veggies, grilled meat, fish and house specialties. My taste buds came alive in true foodie fashion. I wanted to know more about this cuisine, the aromatic ingredients and briefly contemplated trying it at home.
Ab Lounge has a DJ and happy hour drink specials and is open until 2:30 a.m. Great for yuppies who want to unwind after a hectic work week or if you’re just too mature to deal with the college bars type feel in the area this spot is for you. I am definitely going back so enjoy Lebanon without hopping on an airplane and remember to tell them NUBIA sent you!
Saturdays are there busiest, so make reservations for a large group.
