Barbounia

Barbounia is a newish greek, I have wanted to eat a for a few months and it sits in a great spot on the corner of Park Ave. and 20th. Streets. It is a cavernous space punctuated by cream stucco walls and hanging vines. Lots of banguettes at lunch created a comfortable dining space. There is an extensive menu and a $19.99 prix fixe for lunch as well extensive wines by the glass. A borek style bread baked on premises served with mixed olives was a good start. There were a few service faux pas starting with the hostess handing myself and another table the dinner menu. I ordered the special cream of asparagus which arrived with a swirl of creme fraiche and was very well seasoned and tasty. The second appetizer of charred octopus over greens with yukon gold potatoes was very good as well. Lot's of the usual mezzes(greek spreads) are available as well as whole or filleted grilled fish as well as souvlaki and greek pizza. A nice size hearth oven looks like it does baking well. Be forewarned, this is pricey spot. Next, the check arrived with the soup being charged at the dinner rate and took almost fifteen minutes to correct. While waiting, I visited the bathrooms which are pretty gorgeous with blue tiles (communal) and stone sinks that look like something out of Aladdin. Nice, frosted glass doors are cool too.