Baran Restaurant

3.5 – will finish review in full later, but in the mean time, went on a quite snowy night when people weren’t venturing out so we were one of 2 tables booked in the place, but apparently on a regular night it’s packed. They are known for their open fire charcoal grill, and perhaps it’s a bit unfair that I didn’t have something from the grill, but here are my two cents on the mezze, etc. We started with the mixed mezze plate, which comes with 2 dolmas, hummus, tomato/​eggplant spread, tomatoey tabbouleh, taramasala (sp?), 3 types of yogurts (spinach, tzaziki, and another), and tomato-​stewed white beans. The hummus and various yogurt dips were outstanding – excellent flavors and textures. The beans and tomato tabbouleh were quite nice as well. For din my companion went for the grilled quail, which comes with 2 quail, roasted tomatoes and chili peppers, and a nicely sized salad w/​grated carrots and beets. I didn’t sample, but he cleaned all bones that were to be cleaned, so suffice it to say, he ate well. I ordered more mezze for din b/​c we had had a heavier lunch (dim sum and then an orgiastic chocolate feast at hampstead creperie!), and I think that this was my mistake. I ordered regular tabbouleh, but it was strangely sweet – I think there were peppers in it or something, but it was actually unpleasant. The hummus (round 2) was still strong and mushroom/​mint salad was decent – needed flavor, despite the promised mint. Accidentally ordered more of the eggplant/​tomato, which was also a mistake – not that it was bad… I just didn’t need that much oil!
Overall, I do think that this is a good restaurant, they have some kinks in service to work out, but it’s really the grill that one should go for – I’d take veggies elsewhere (although there are more vegetarian options than it first appears when you walk in and are greeted by a meat case).