A few blocks outside of the hustle and bustle of Huntington Village, Babalu is the perfect spot for food, drinks and atmosphere. Selling itself as a Cuban restaurant with Puerto Rican influences Babalu was founded by former boxer turned chef Alan Gotay. His offering does not disappoint. For my first foray into the restaurant I chose to hit up their happy hour on an early Friday evening. I perused the menu prior to going and planned on ordering the Pegau and Pinchos from the discounted 4-7 Happy Hour menu. That quickly changed once I was seated at the bar. After about 15-20 minutes of humming and hawing while I downed a Modelo and shot of tequila I decided to go with a full fledged entree.
My choice? Pernil!
Best choice for the evening. As I sat and waited I enjoyed the ambiance which included salsa over the speakers and I Love Lucy on the TV screens….AKA a heavenly evening in the making. I sipped my beer, snacked on chips and and dip, made small talk with the other patrons and knew my visit would be the catalyst for the next entree in my food blog.
So, now the food. Arriving pretty quickly, I was served rice and black beans in a bowl with a few tostones placed on the side for good measure. In a second bowl, was the perfectly seasoned Pernil which tasted like it’s menu description of slow roasted. The portions were generous and to my delight there was enough for leftovers. Yay to tomorrow.
Long story short, yes Huntington has great restaurants but venture out of the village and walk down New York Ave to Babalu. I promise you won’t be disappointed and I guarantee you’ll see me there for happy hour.
My choice? Pernil!
Best choice for the evening. As I sat and waited I enjoyed the ambiance which included salsa over the speakers and I Love Lucy on the TV screens….AKA a heavenly evening in the making. I sipped my beer, snacked on chips and and dip, made small talk with the other patrons and knew my visit would be the catalyst for the next entree in my food blog.
So, now the food. Arriving pretty quickly, I was served rice and black beans in a bowl with a few tostones placed on the side for good measure. In a second bowl, was the perfectly seasoned Pernil which tasted like it’s menu description of slow roasted. The portions were generous and to my delight there was enough for leftovers. Yay to tomorrow.
Long story short, yes Huntington has great restaurants but venture out of the village and walk down New York Ave to Babalu. I promise you won’t be disappointed and I guarantee you’ll see me there for happy hour.
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