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For a late lunch or let’s say an early dinner in Beirut I chose East Village who turned out to open from noon to midnight. Known to have one of the country’s best, East Village promises a good mood, good service, pleasant vibes, refreshing drinks, and tasty food. I came here last time in 2015 and still remember the taste of that burger. Back before the crowded evening, my mouth was watering on the idea of enjoying the burger again.
The place feels good: a floor made of concrete, tables of real wood, an industrial looking bar, a wall covered with bricks, an open kitchen and beautiful lights coming down from the ceiling. Enjoying soothing lounge tunes, I let myself go to the vibes of vibrant Badaro on a Friday afternoon.
On the menu, choose from one of many innovative dishes: pulled duck confit, truffled risotto, the burger, bourbon pepper steak, 40 days aged ribs to name a few.
First impression: in such a great “craft” and industrial place inspired by the streets of New York, the least I expected is a selection of “craft beers,” not Almaza! I had sparkling water instead.
The risotto! OMG! That risotto the Italians didn’t do. Organic black rice mixed with melted Parmesan and aromatized with white truffle oil. It’s enjoyable creamy, intensely flavorful and cooked al-dente. The big portion can be enjoyed by two persons. I loved the after-notes of truffle the plate leaves in the mouth, the rice crunch, the gooey cheese and the oil that caresses your palate in style.
The best was yet to come:
Because burgers are not created equal, Lebanon has “this burger” and then all the others. East Village serves the country’s sexiest burger balanced by the best ingredients out there. A unique buttery bun melts under the teeth like butter, a sauce that caresses your tongue in style, a patty that tickles your taste buds to make you smile, laugh and scream. It’s a burger where the meat comes from another planet not needing any condiment or sauce to cover up its taste. Bravo is not enough, a feeling of amazement that made me want to scream. Cooked medium rare, the patty is red on the inside with a flavor of grilling on the outside. I’ve had burgers... each missing something! The burger of East Village is complete.
The pulled duck sandwich is as good: juicy and tender duck stuffed between two soft patties of the freshest bread out there with a sweet sauce to accompany it. Yummy!
Back to the burger... I couldn’t but finish it entirely! East Village’s food is surreal, the freshness of vegetables, the thick, crunchy fries, the bread and the little details that make of every plate a unique one. Good job chefs!
Not only a pub but a restaurant serving exceptional food!
