BUKU BUKU BUKU BUKU

As promised Todderton and I have been exploring our neighborhood and as we were driving home one day the sign "GLOBAL STREET FOOD" caught our eyes. Immediately Todd said I don't know what that is but I want to go. Turns out it was none other than Buku. Self described as "Inspired by the pushcarts of street vendors in cities across the globe, our chefs harvest an array of unique and distinct flavors and present them authentically, in a virtual kaleidoscope of plates." You tell me this doesn't sound amazing. Located at E Davie and Wilmington-Buku is great for drinks on the weekend and with great outdoor seating is an excellent option when it's not 98 degrees with 110% humidity (heatapocalypse say what? Im dying!). 


Todd and I went with my sister (Lo), her roommate (Allison) and her future roommate (Lexi). We chose to eat outside because it was a random day in July that wasn't miserable. Lo and her Allison opted for one of their bottles of wine- they have several that are reasonably priced. Todd and Lexi opted for mixed drinks- Todd with the guava-lime caipirinha (Leblon cachaca, muddled lime, guava, organic agave nectar) and Lexi with the passion exchange Sauza reposado, passion-fruit, Patrón citronge, organic agave nectar, fresh citrus). YUM. I was lame with a glass of Cab Sav.

We started with their world breads- an assortment of chef's breads baked daily. We also did the choose three option for sauces- getting the Raita, the habanero-mango salsa and the avocado salsa to dip in. The breads were 5 and the sauces were 6.5- not bad for 5 people to share. For our breads we had a mixture of naan, onion focaccia and some plain flatbread.

For main dishes Todd got the Korean BBQ which was shaved prime sirloin, kim chi, sesame-spinach, wasabi soy for 15 dollars.

Pretty! Todd said the BBQ was tender likely due to the thin slices. He noted that the kim chi was vinegary and spicy, The spinach had subtle hints of ginger- and was surprisingly tasty. Overall he said that he would probably get it again- but would most likely get something else. He did note he would eat here again- but on a scale of 1-10 he would give the restaurant a 7.

Lo and I got the Moules Frites: P.E.I. mussels, in a tomato garlic white wine cream sauce, served with toasted bread to soak up the sauce and fries.

Over all I was pleased with the portion for 15 dollars. The mussels were perfectly cooked and tasted salty and not much like the sauce they were cooked in. But hey as you can see that's not an issue because who can deny grilled bread for sauce soak up? The fries were a nice touch and cooked well. Overall I also give my meal a 7. It wasn't anything to write home about but the atmosphere made up for the food short comings. Our waiter was patient and knowledgeable.

This place really gets crowded at night and as we were finishing our meals the bar area was already starting to fill with overly dressed ladies in sky high heels and men in linen pants and blazers- if that is any indication of the crowd that can be seen there at night. This is definitely a place to be seen at and one should dress appropriately.

Take home message- chose wisely on your meal. It can be the difference of leaving full (like we did) or wanting more- Allison who ordered the pierogis (4 came on a small plate). If weather appropriate- sit outside, however the waterfall near the bar does add to the ambiance you meal indoors. I am not itching to go back- but I wouldn't not go again. And that my friends is Buku!