Going International for Lunch

Last week, we decided to go out to lunch instead of going to dinner.  The weather wasn't great and the backyard was muddy, so Darwin didn't get to spend his days running around with his buddy Phoenix (who is temporarily staying with us).  Instead of keeping him cooped up all evening so we could go do dinner, we opted to meet for lunch downtown.  Meeting for lunch isn't ideal because we don't get to take our time eating and chatting.  Unfortunately, the weather has not been cooperating and our backyard is very muddy from all the rain and snow. Yes, we did get some snow this weekend!  For most of Saturday morning, the snow was coming down in beautiful, large snowflakes, but as the temperatures rose into the mid-upper 30's, it turned to slushy snow.  Our back deck and backyard was covered with a little over an inch by the end.  Most of the snow/ice was melted by the sun on Sunday, but there are a few large patches that didn't get any sun and now remain icy.

I'm certainly ready for some spring weather! I hate the cold.

Enough about the weather, let me share the details about our lunch at Buku.  I had been there with my former foodie coworkers over a year ago, and had enjoyed my lunch. The reviews were good, so I convinced Colin to meet me there for lunch.

We opted for a global-inspired lunch starting with the empanadas.  The waiter was kind enough to allow us to order a spicy and a regular instead of two of just one kind.  Colin ordered the South African lamb kebabs, which were cooked with peppers and mango chunks and were served with potato salad and lentils. I ordered the Massaman curry, a vegetarian dish with vegetables, curry and a coconut sauce, served with rice on the side.

The empanadas were very good. The main difference between the spicy and regular was the spicy salsa on top.  The sauce was good, but I prefer the guacamole that came on the regular ones.

Empanada and Empanada Picante

The lamb meat was very tender and I really enjoyed the combination with the peppers and the mango (?) pieces. The potato salad was also very good.  The lentils seemed a bit too raw for my liking and I would have preferred them served warm instead of cold.  Colin was not a fan of the meat, veggies or the lentils.  He only gave a positive review to the potato salad.

South African Lamb Kebabs with potato salad and lentils

I really enjoyed the Massaman Curry, especially the unique flavor the coconut added.  Once again, Colin was not impressed, so I got to polish it off!  I will admit the flavor was a bit mild, even with the coconut, but I sometimes prefer a dish that is more mild.  I've been to many restaurants where the food tastes overly flavorful because of all the salt and/or butter used.  I enjoy my meal when I eat it, but then don't feel great afterwards.  After eating at Buku, I felt full, satisfied, and didn't go back to the office in food coma.  I prefer having a hearty meal at lunch, but don't like overdoing the carbohydrates, which can make me tired during the afternoon.  Even with the rice and potato salad, I didn't feel stuffed or tired.

Massaman Curry (vegetarian) with Jasmine rice

I enjoyed the romantic atmosphere of Buku's main dining area, especially since we decided that would be our Valentine's Day meal. The service was excellent and efficient for the lunch hour, with our appetizer served quickly after ordering.  We didn't get to spend that much time together, or enjoy a very leisure dining experience, but I'm sure Darwin appreciated our attention that evening.

Overall, I enjoyed my meal, but will admit their menu is pricey. The website claims they use high quality produce, hormone-free beef and sustainable fish, but I don't really know what that means. I doubt the produce was organic or local, and we had lamb, not beef.  The restaurant also claims to be "global street food," but I don't know any street empanadas that cost $3.50 each, or street lamb kebab entrees to cost $12.  In NYC, street kebabs on a heaping pile of rice cost under $5.  I recognize we have to pay for the service and the dining experience, but I think Buku's description of itself sets the wrong expectation.

If you've ever eaten at Buku, is there a menu item you love?

We are probably going to dine in Chapel Hill or Durham this week, any suggestions?