A few weekends ago, an eating buddy and I checked out DBGB Kitchen & Bar in the East Village/LES area. As a big fan of Daniel, Daniel Boulud’s more formal namesake restaurant (SO good by the way; definitely recommended for a special occasion!), I was interested to see how the more casual DBGB Kitchen & Bar compared. The minute I walked in, I was taken with the expansive dining area and huge open kitchen – I love watching my food being prepared.
We first started with drinks – DBGB has an extensive drink list; it was literally a book of drink selections.
However, eating buddy and I opted for their non-alcoholic options, which were also scrumptious and perfect for the humid, balmy morning:
Eating buddy ordered the Canard – duck pork sausage, kasha varnishkes, and duck cracklins, accompanied by two eggs over-easy:
Of course I had to sample some – this was my first experience with kasha (buckwheat groats) and kasha varnishkes, and it was so savory and absorbed the duck flavor from the sausage – yum! Have a closer look – you know you want to!
I ordered the Chipolata: pork sausage link, with pommes mousseline and burgundy truffle. I also chose to have my accompany eggs prepared over-easy:
I’m guessing “pommes mousseline” means potato mousse (am I right?), which I assumed was just a fancified mashed potato. But fancy or not, these potatoes were absolutely heavenly! Perfectly whipped and airy. The pork sausage was topped generously with truffles, and the whole combination of sausage, truffles, pommes and gravy melded together perfectly. Add the runny egg to the mixture, and it was porcine heaven.
We capped off our meaty meal with a selection from the dessert menu, suggested by our waiter:
This lemon pistachio sundae was adorned with honey meringues, confit of lemon zest, olive oil cake, candied pistachios, whipped cream and topped with a drizzle of olive oil. I am a total sucker for desserts featuring traditionally savory ingredients, and this sundae, while complex-sounding, came together in a complex symphony of textures, flavors and even temperatures. The tang of lemon zest of offset by the warm, spicy olive oil cake. I absolutely loved this dessert!
If you are a drink connoisseur or a sausage and meats fan, I would definitely suggest you give DBGB Kitchen & Bar a try. The lively ambiance paired with a hearty and well-thought out menu makes DBGB Kitchen & Bar great for groups or a casual date. Make sure to save room for dessert!
299 Bowery (@ 1st St.)
212.933.5300
Diverse menu and hearty drink selections = crowd-pleaser!
Are you a fan of the savory and sweet mix? What are your opinions on it?
