Rést-âü-Rànt loved everything about it.” So it came as no surprise when she JANUARY 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 23 finally opened Rést-âü-Rànt in November of 2007. “Me and my sister thought resting and ranting would be a great atmosphere, so we called it rest-au-rant,” she explains of the clever moniker. “But now everyone just calls it RarBar. My Inspiration comes from things I want to eat and crave, which are very much inspired by the neighborhood. Living in such a diverse area, you are exposed to so much more than what you grew up with, so naturally, my menu reflects that.” “The biggest thing is all of our sharable plates. It keeps it casual, and allows people to taste little bites of everything. For me, it’s a more enjoyable way to eat.” The menu reflects that philosophy through cheese and charcuterie plates, and even a selection of several fondues. “We like to dip everything in cheese,” admits Stepanovic. Recent changes to the menu have seen the addition of mussels with a ginger tomato sauce. “We make our huevos rancheros on polenta cakes. The chicken and waffles just look so sexy, and we make a mean Cuban with pork belly, mortadella, swiss cheese, and pickle relish.” Folks come for the diverse wine selection and wide variety of sharing plates, but the often stay for the live music or comedy. The arts have become such a definitive element of RarBar, in fact, that Stepanovic acquired a space nearby to devote solely to the arts.” “It’s gonna be huge,” she smiles, and her eyes sparkle with excitement. “This will be the restaurant, and the RarBar Art Room is where we will hold events, live music, comedy, exhibits, installations, and performances we weren’t able to do here. What was happening in the background here will take center stage there.” “Now I don’t have to say ‘no’ anymore. The people I have met along the way are coming together. I love that we are right on the heels of the Kaufman Arts district. My bartender does lighting design, and musicians here are all pitching in—and it’s all in the spirit of Rar.” Rést-âü-Rànt 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com Green Salad Ginger Mussels RAR BAR Sliders Rancheros
BM012015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above