Bowery to Williamsburg - where hipsters and corporate types eat side-by-side.
A new eatery that's popped up in tow is Bowery to Williamsburg. I've heard about it. I've read about it, and I know it serves New York deli-style food and that it's been getting some positive reviews. Left to my own, I'd probably wouldn't get around to eating at this place until a year's time.
However, one lunchtime, Ms H, who's a hip young thing, steered me into BtW.
Arriving around 12.30pm, there was already a queue going, and the waiters were taking names. Fortunately, it was only a 5-10 minute wait for us, and we were escorted down into the eatery to two places at the communal table.
First impression inside is that it's definitely got a happening buzz in the air. Hipsters abound, chatter, deli foods and the clatter of coffee cups. It's a bit squishy but it adds to the charm... almost what you'd expect of a NY deli. As this isn't quite the place to take a leisurely lunch, we placed our orders quickly.
Ms H got the lox bagel which has beetroot horseradish, dill cream, cheese schmear, limed onion and watercress. She had this before and loved it so much to order it again. Ms H loved the authenticness of the bagel and fillings.
I debated whether to get the Reuben sandwich or this - the hot smoked salmon w caviar cream cheese schmear, heirloom toms, fried capers and radish. This was a pretty tasty sanger - well worth my breaking my no-wheat rule! I especially loved the salmon - so full of rich, salmon flavour that was flakey, juicy and tender (not chewy like some inferior stuff), and it wasn't overly salty (ditto, like some inferior stuff). There was a reasonable amount salmon. While I'm not normally a fan of capers (I don't get what's so special about them), I really liked the fried capers which made them taste much better than usual. I liked that it was crunchy and it had lessened that briny flavour.
Food - 8.5
Ambiance - 8
Service - 8
Price - 7
Overall
When we were paying our bill, we had a nice chat with all the friendly staff behind the counter. They're definitely passionate about the food they serve here. I could tell by how they told us how they prepared the different ingredients.
While the serving size is on the smaller end, each sandwich/bagel is perfectly in proportion (a nice filling to bread ratio). And what you're getting here is quality ingredients.
Based on my first visit, I really liked the food here. I'd definitely be back for the Reuben, beef salami, and the meatballs.... I can't wait!
Address
Bowery to Williamsburg
16 Oliver Lane
Melbourne 3000
Telephone: 9077 0162
It's worth waiting. The food is so delicious.
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