Bar Blanc Bistro: Get it while it's hot!

Recessionomics is in full swing across the dining scene in NY. Everywhere you turn there are recession specials here, budget-friendly deals there. So, I've done my due diligence as a (new) New Yorker to scope out the best specials out there. And alas, on Friday night, I believe I found it.

Bar Blanc Bistro, in the heart of the West Village, is the most fantastic multi-purpose venue: date night, girls night out, solo night, etc. BFFOLD (bff of le dish) and I had scoured the menu and read the reviews so we could take full advantage of the 6 to 8 pm happy hour (50% off most appies and booze by the glass! Practically free!). The minute we walked into the marble bar surrounded by gorgeous white tufted leather banquettes, we were taken by the space (other than a freakish faux plant on the end of the bar). Perched on our bar stools, we went to work.

Our new friend Chad The Bartender (who self-imposes a diet of fruits and veggies only...all together now: WHY?!?) professed his love of the mac and cheese and the burger. Four glasses of $6 cava later, we had decided on the duck liver toasts, the white bean and anchovy crostini and obviously, to appease Chad, the mac and cheese with black truffles.

All three of the aforementioned appies were simply delightful. At a mere $4 or $5 a piece, you simply cannot make a bad choice. The duck liver toasts were slightly charred and paired well with the smooth, rich pate. The white bean puree (something I normally would shy away from) was light and salted perfectly by the single anchovy on top. But, the real winner of the night was the mac and cheese. When I tell you that I will be returning weekly (even when the special ends) to consume at least one bowl of this delicacy, I am NOT kidding. The quarter-sized, ridged rounds were covered by creamy cheese and speckled with black truffles. The top was a cheesy crust, the innards were creamy yet not overwhelming. You will understand when you go.

But, get to BBB fast: Chad alluded to the fact that the special will only be running through next Friday or so. Don't worry, I tried my hardest to convince him to extend it indefinitely. You're welcs.