214 Mulberry Street (between Spring and Prince Sts.) 212-966-7366 www.balaboostanyc.com
Mediterranean. When I think Mulberry St., calzones and cannolis instantly come to mind. But that’s my bad because Little Italy goes waaaaaay beyond the boot. Balaboosta is Middle Eastern in nature, the Mediterranean menu replete with more delicious encounters than you can shake a stickball bat at.
Their hummus “Mortar and Pestle” is just that, overfilled with one of the most addictive recipes I’ve ever tasted. You would expect to find bruschetta on this block, but not their smoked eggplant interpretation with fresh herb salad and silan (date honey). The grilled branzino (tzatziki, freekah, grilled lemon) and spice rubbed hanger steak with rainbow peewee potatoes, cipollini and tomato vinaigrette both inspired instant devotion. I felt just as strongly about their hazelnut chocolate mousse, the house whipped cream and pistachio brittle enhancing an already ovation worthy dessert.
People are constantly pouring in, but that’s no surprise, considering the vast parade of flavor on display in each memorable dish. This ‘hood is legendary for bringing the Italian, so some might think Mediterranean is out of their league. To which I am now forced to say — fuhgeddaboudit.