Table for Two

Healthy, fun and exotic

Posted

Bareburger
235 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre
(516) 442-4090, www.bareburger.com

Bareburger is an exceptional franchise that has existed worldwide since 2009. Lara Khattab, a health-conscious and environment-caring mother of three, had dined at one in Manhattan and was instantly intrigued. She opened a location in Rockville Centre last August, and in February, another in Plainview.

 Everything at Bareburger is clean, organic, natural, and inventive beyond one’s imagination, targeting both the basic eater and the gastronome. Ask for sweetener and you’ll get only natural, like raw sugar or agave nectar. Children can enjoy themselves with healthful “Cubby Fare” and kid-friendly TV. Adults can opt for patties like beef, vegetable, turkey or chicken, or go more exotic with bison, duck, elk or wild boar. Pair those with your choice of bun, wrap, cheese, bacon, sauce, spread and veggies. Burgers, sandwiches and salads fill the menu, with vegan and gluten-free options too. Choose from creative combinations or build your own. There’s also a nice selection of wines, craft beers, soft drinks and shakes.

Décor is rustic. Fun photos of fully clothed animals line the perimeter. Black brick walls were uncovered from a 1908 structure. Tables and chairs were built from the reclaimed wood of fallen trees. Light fixtures are shrouded with chicken wire, and the tin ceiling, rescued from an old barn.

Consider sharing food for variety … even burgers. Ask and they will cut anything into halves or quarters, and stick metal skewers into each section for easy access. The menu, which changes seasonally, is huge and colorfully creative, so you might want to get adventurous. Portions are generous and servers are accommodating.

Sautéed Brussel sprouts with manchego cheese and lemon was a light, tasty starter. Pretty, chilled and vegan, Cali Fresh salad offered baby kale, red quinoa, grape tomatoes, hummus, red onion and alfalfa, garnished with watermelon radish slices and a drizzle of lemon tahini dressing.

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