BABS

Came to Babs for a newer friends birthday dinner of which I knew no one else. Younger me would have avoided these situations but older me has come to embrace them as this is where the growth is. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Upon arrival, I see a big group sitting outside on the beautiful open air patio and begin to panic. "Damn there's like 14 people and I only know the birthday girl who needs to make her rounds.." I think to myself. In a flash flood of anxiety, I veer off onto the corner and post up on the block out of sight. I shoot her a text and wait until she hits me back to pull up, as this will be a much better introduction than me just pulling up solo to the table awkwardly. After being posted on the block for about 10 minutes with no response, I consider leaving. Just then, she texts me back with a "where r u" and in a flash I starch my anxiety with a counter right hand on that soft sweet tissue right behind the temple and approach the table. The birthday girl, to her credit, introduced me one by one to everyone and it was smooth sailing from there. I bested anxiety today, but tomorrow is another fight. We won the battle but the war goes on. I immediately ordered an aperol spritz and it hit the spot. My only complaint was that it was in a tiny wine glass, and to me a spritz should always be in a fishbowl wine glass. There was fries ordered at the table as well, and nothing to me like an aperitivo and some fresh cut fries. Phenomenal combo. After housing the spritz, I was ready for another one. Just as I was about to order, one of the gentleman at the table convinced me to order a "Hugo" and proceeded to go into a full sales pitch on how it is going to be the new aperol spritz. I will try anything once so I pulled the trigger on it. On the first sip of the Hugo, I actually thought he was certifiably insane. But as I got deeper into it, I could see it. I dont know. Jury is still out on that one tbh. *Authors Note Below* Upon leaving, I asked who to venmo and someone told me "The Birthday Girl is taking care of it." I found this to be a tad appalling, as I feel if anything the birthday girl shouldn't be paying for anything on her birthday. NANCY NOVO AINT RAISE NO LEECH!

Babs is my new favourite restaurant in NYC... and I've dined at Eleventh Maddison Park (twice). BABS has the best atmosphere, we were here on New Years Eve not expecting much as we turned up very casually only to find we were totally immersed and swept up in what felt like an intimate party of friends all having the best night of their lives. To top this, the steak (and we opted for the cheaper cut) was to date the BEST steak I've ever eaten in my life! It was divine, my partner and I still talk about it. The service was so good, everyone was so attentive, kind and overall this experience at Babs became one of the highlight of our holiday to NY. Do yourself a favour and see what all the fuss is about. I can't wait to return.

This super cozy west village gem is absolutely lovely. We arrived early and had a choice of table, corner please. Cocktails before dinner also lovely, try the Mezcal Martini. Half a sourdough followed by Beef tartare appetizer along with the amberjack crudo. then straight into their signature Divorced Sea Bream and a burger with a marrow bone on top. Staff was wonderfully attentive and charming. As the evening went on the crowd got a little more “sceny” but we were on our way. Tips: party no larger than 4 people, best for 2. eat the specials ask about the menu, order a cocktail, dine early. Bar is too small to meet ahead.