Attracting a diverse crowd of fashionable young professionals, Bohemian longtimers and local undergrads, Bar Six is a relaxed bistro that would be welcome in any neighborhood, but its classic charm and international edge seem especially suited for the stylish and creative Greenwich Village.
The picturesque French boîte turns out bistro standards, Mediterranean staples and North African cuisine with equal flair. Compared to the generous portion of the popular Mussels Provençale ($14), a small dish of Moroccan Spiced Meatballs ($10) is more subtly alluring, with its delicate coriander perfume and understated drape of spiced yogurt and tomato sauce.
The Merguez Sandwich ($14) is a bolder lesson in North African flavors, with funky lamb sausage borne atop a golden nest of sweet caramelized onions and peppers. A swaddle of pita and a luxurious cloak of yogurt gently restrain the flavorful glow of the cinnamon and spice-laced sausage. The hanger steak ($25) is equally noteworthy and well-matched with a rich bordelaise sauce, the winey sweetness balancing the tannic notes of the steak's deeply charred crust.
The international fare is easily paired with a thoughtful wine list that draws from across the globe, including the lesser-known wines of Morocco. The Ouled Thaleb white blend ($10 per glass) of Clairette and Faranah grapes, an indigenous variety grown only in Morocco, provides neophytes a gentle introduction to North African wine with its honeyed palate and wild grassiness. The brief list of cocktails ($13 each) also provides a chance to sample bold flavors from around the Mediterranean. The Saffron Remedy, made with quinoa vodka, chamomile-infused vermouth and Spanish saffron, is a palate-cleansing herbal concoction with a citrus finish that’s a refreshing end to your dinner.
BY: TIME OUT COMMUNITY REVIEWER OMAR TUNGEKAR