Baci is a local joint just around the corner in Town Brookhaven. The same people who run Cafe at Pharr also own Baci. Jimmy and I decided on dinner and a movie Saturday night – then headed out with nowhere in particular in mind for our grub. We generally end up in Town Brookhaven when we’re craving supper and don’t have a ton of time. They also regularly have good Scoutmob deals at several restaurants and that’s exactly what landed us at Baci.
The decor was lovely, the lights were turned down low to create a romantic atmosphere, and there was even a bar with a couple of televisions that didn’t take away from the small restaurant’s ambiance. We opted to sit outside and had no problems getting a table. Not very crowded for a Saturday night, but I suspect the price point affects many diners as well as lack of marketing.
Our waitress was super sweet – almost too saccharine in the way only Southerners can be (I’m allowed to say that being a Southerner and all). But she kept our glasses full and checked up on us the proper amount. She did have a couple of mess-ups – never bringing us our bread and forgetting to apply the Scoutmob discount first time around, but her genuine effort allowed us to forgive her. She seemed rather new.
Baci’s food is an eclectic mix of Mediterranean and Eastern Asian cuisine. Jimmy was immediately put off by the prices and the fact that they misspelled gyoza – their special appetizer of the night (they wrote geyoza both on the menu and the specials board). I’d also like to add that Jimmy was in a very grumpy mood and nothing would have satisfied him so I’ll temper his moodiness with my own opinions, promise!
For our appetizer, Jimmy wanted the fried goat cheese balls so that’s what we ordered. They came out very quickly and Jimmy approved. They had a lovely fried coating and the goat cheese flavor was strongly satisfying. I’m not the world’s biggest goat cheese fan, but these were good. The cheese was slightly on the dry side and had a fun texture. Jimmy also noted that the sauces drizzled on top were delicious.
Our entrees were also served in good time. I ordered the Baci burger made entirely of Kobe beef. What impressed me most was that all the toppings (besides the cheese!) were served on the side so I could make my own burger. These sides included mixed greens, tomato slices, housemade pickles, mustard, ketchup, and onions. I slapped on some greens and tomatoes and went to town! The burger was supposedly cooked medium, but I think probably closer to medium well. It was tender and juicy, but nothing particularly flavorful. A decent burger, but I’ve had better. The housemade pickles were divine. The fries that came with the meal were also tasty, even Jimmy approved!
Jimmy selected one of the night’s specials – Israeli schnitzel with fingerling potatoes and side salad. He cleaned his plate – I mention this because he said his meal was okay, but a bit too simple – groan, groan, moan, moan. If he cleans his plate, he liked it despite what comes out of his mouth! He did say his schnitzel had a nice crisp to it, but that it was a little too greasy – you could definitely see a shine going on.
Our first impressions of this restaurant were lightly positive. Our meal totaled $39 and we both ordered cheaper entrees. Without the $20 off due to the Scoutmob, we’d probably not have eaten here. I think we’d give this place another shot as long as we had a coupon in hand. Of course, most restaurants now charge an arm and a leg except for fast food which is such a shame. Thank goodness for websites like Scoutmob!
(Pictures by Angel Wings Photography)
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