Last updated on March 10, 2023
– We Found Mediterranean in Williamsburg
The Pandemic has been with us almost two years now. There was a moment that we thought things were getting better, we could feel the light at the end of the tunnel. People relaxed, lockdown was lifted. Restaurant reopened, we started going out again. Then Delta came. For better or worst, put the pandemic back in focus. We were not out of the woods.
For most part of the last 18 months, I had been a “shut-in”. I miss eating out, trying different restaurants. I miss sharing a dish with my friends, toasting over laughters and good food. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to do any of that. I know the restaurant industry had been hit hard, a lot of places were forced to shut down. Those left were struggling. I just don’t feel comfortable yet.
When I can, I supported the restaurant industry by ordering take out. When things started getting better, when weather was nice, I went out several times. Mostly outdoor dinning. We would throughly vetted the place: is there enough ventilation, is the curb side dinning near heavy traffic, how close each table is. We went through careful consideration before even making a reservation.
As NYC announced restaurants will be checking vaccination card, my mind eased a little. We would still prefer outdoor dining, unless we feel absolutely comfortable.
On a bright sunny Saturday, we ventured out to Brooklyn for brunch. We found ourselves at Fandi Mata. A Mediterranean place on the North side of Williamsburg. I had originally reserved a table in their outdoor patio. But soon as we walked in, we completely fell in love with their indoor deco. The high ceiling, the mosaic tiles tables and steps. Ours eyes wandered. The atmosphere lured us in. It was captivating.
It was too pretty to NOT sit indoor.
Around the corner of the foyer, we were greeted by a seating/waiting area, which may very well be my dream living room. Colorful fabric lounge chairs, hanging tables from the ceiling. So warm and inviting. This is the perfect instagram spot too!!
Sitting on the lounge area looking into the restaurant. It’s another oasis. The sun shinning through the sky light from the tall ceiling, bouncing off the greenery all around the place. Blue mosaic tiled steps led to the 2nd floor. For a moment, as if we were transported to the Mediterranean. We could almost could hear the waves and sea breeze. We sat deep into the dinning room, and couldn’t stop turning our heads to look around. The upstairs balcony floor was not open yet, but that didn’t stop my comrades from exploring. When we finally settled down, someone said “this trip to Brooklyn is already worth it. If the food is good, it is a bonus”.
The food did not disappointed.
Those bite size croqutas with bacon and dates was perfect. Such great combination with salty and acidity. I can eat them by the dozens. The eggs Benedict’s and avocado toast looked absolutely appetizing. I just had to have shakshuka. The tomato was so good, and such aroma from all the spices. I couldn’t stop dipping those fluffy pita bread into the egg yolk and tomato bath. We ended up asking for more pita bread to wipe the bowl.
With full belly, we started to make our way out. We couldn’t help but sat down again at the lounge area. Instagram time! “This is the perfect photo spot!” One of us said. As we snapped away, a group of girls walked by and got inspired. 15 minutes later, after a dozen exchanges of angles and poses, we finally walked out.
Like i mentioned before, this was one of our first indoor meals since pandemic. We couldn’t be happier. Everything was perfect. Upon walking into the door, we forgot the hard times we were having, and truly enjoyed ourselves. For 2 hours, we forgot about the masks, we reconnected, we laughed. We even talked to strangers.
Life was normal again, almost.
Fandi Mata | 74 Bayard St, Brooklyn, NY | September 2021
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