Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn Heights was one time known as Little Syria for its large Arabic community. A few of the original businesses (like Sahadi’s and Damascus) remain but the community has mostly moved elsewhere.
A few years ago a new business named Boutros appeared and has been bringing a modern spin to traditional Middle Eastern and Lebanese cuisines.
I have walked tour groups by it dozens and dozens of times, but it wasn’t until recently that I finally sat down to try their food. It’s nice to be able to point out a new hip chef-driven restaurant that is bringing a fresh take to the history of the neighborhood.
I stopped by for brunch, which fills up rather quickly and was very happy with the one dish I chose.
It was the inclusion of enoki mushrooms that really made me order the Bulgur Fried Rice. But this signature dish is featured on both the dinner and brunch menus with a few adjustments.
The dinner folks don’t get to enjoy the umami hit of the mushrooms and the sobering richness of the fried eggs.
But they do get to appreciate the uniqueness and ingenuity of bulgur wheat being prepared like fried rice. Here, there is an even extra crunch to the dish with bits of spicy soujuk (beef sausage) mixed throughout.
It has big umami notes and rich earthy garlic and soy flavors. It’s a hearty satisfying way to start the weekend and also a nice reminder of the community and culture that has been in this area for close to a century. Price: $15
| BOUTROS |
| 185 Atlantic Avenue (between Court and Clinton Street), Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn (718) 403-0055 |
| boutrosbk.com |
