Libations and Satiation
BABA, the sister restaurant to Ambar Clarendon, is pleased to unveil a newly revamped menu. Expanding from small plates to full-size portions, the menu at BABA will continue to showcase a variety of dishes with a Balkan twist. Guests can now enjoy a more extensive section of appetizers, pastas, vegetables, meat and seafood dishes that marry well with the creative craft cocktails.
If you’ve dined at Ambar, you’ll know that Balkan cuisine is exciting and craveable. At BABA, you’ll be lured in with the dimly lit downstairs hideaway that emits a speakeasy vibe, with a cocktail list that is curated by spirit. The cocktails are so thoughtful, turning a classic gin and tonic into something to be excited about with the addition of elderflower tonic, rose water, edible flowers, and orange essence.
Another favorite is the Iron Man cocktail, mixing Scotch whiskey and drambuie with mole bitters and dry orange. Strong, boozy and complex – a great sipping drink as you nosh on dishes from the new menu.
The entire menu sings with flavor and variety, but two dishes stand out. The first is the forest mushrooms with kajmak (water buffalo “cheese”) and crispy polenta with truffles. The dish is over the top savory, hitting that fifth taste but, umami. It satisfies your hunger in one bite and keeps you going back for another sip of your drink while fishing around for the crispy polenta bits.
Another highlight is the steak tartare featuring more kajmak, pine nuts, brioche croutons and crispy capers. This deconstructed version of tartare is appealing to me because I can scoop all of the elements up in one spoonful to taste each flavor together. I am a sucker for a crispy caper and the brightness they add to the rich raw beef. I’m not ashamed to say I hoarded this dish for myself and politely requested another for the rest of the group to try. I suggest you do the same 😉
Take a trip across the river to Clarendon, and hideaway with punchy libations and exotic cuisine at BABA.
Open for dinner Sunday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3p.m. and Happy Hour is available Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information please call (703) 312-7978 or visit www.baba.bar.