Take Advantage of This Deal While It Lasts!

I read on Wined and Dined that Bar Blanc Bistro was having a special until Wednesday, April 15^th – 50% off the bar menu and drinks (except the oysters, burger and bottles of wine) from 6-8. The restaurant (formerly just Bar Blanc) shut down for a few days for minor renovations and is reopening on the 15^th, so I only had one shot of trying this deal while it lasted (I’m very popular so I had other set dinner plans on Tuesday and Wednesday), so I made an executive decision to go there for dinner last night with a friend.

First, I apologize that I don’t have photos and I can’t remember the names of the drinks we had, so I’ll leave a few blanks when needed. For drinks, I started with a cocktail called the West 10^th Street Iced Tea and my friend tried the sangria martini. We were both pleased with our drinks and they were probably the two best of the evening. Our first round of food included the “bitter ballen” braised beef ragout croquettes with Dijon mustard for me and duck liver mousse with toast for her. I liked my croquettes; it was kind of like beef brisket in a fried dough ball. You were served three croquettes which were a nice amount. My friend has a penchant for duck liver, so she really enjoyed her option as well and said it was some of the best she ever tasted, noting that it was perfectly salted. I tried it, but the musky aftertaste wasn’t really my thing.

Second round included the Vero Martini? drink for me and the drink with vodka, lemon and lime juice (CaiproXX) for her. We also split the macaroni and cheese au gratin with black truffles. For me, this was by far and away this was the standout moment of our meal; however she thought it was just average – “very good,” but it was still “just mac & cheese.” I guess she has a sophisticated palette. I thought it was outstanding. I’ve never seen the pasta shape before, it was smooth on one side and deeply ridged on the other (almost like cutting open a ridged rigatoni noodle), and the ridges soaked up the delicious sauce. Thankfully it was not too cheesy, and if anything it could have used more sauce (it was a béchamel sauce with gruyere cheese). The black truffles added a depth to the flavor that made it delectable. I highly recommend it.

Our final round started with a glass of Chardonnay for me and the Side Car with cognac and contrineau for her, and we split the country house terrine. We had never heard of terrine before which is why we tried it. It looked a bit like a slice of meatloaf and sort of tasted like really high-grade bologna. It was good, but I wouldn’t go back to order it again.

Six drinks and four appetizers all for about $53 (that’s before tip and with the 50% off) – that worked well for us. We were both full and a little tipsy. You have two days left for this deal, so check it out if you can! Reminder, this deal is only good if you sit at the bar, so get there on the early side (6/6:30) and go with only one other person to ensure a spot.