When you first walk in to Batchig by Mayrig, you have this sudden feeling of walking into something familiar, something comfortable. The smiling host greets you as if you've come in to someone's house. On the walls and on tables, framed pictures of family members smile at you. The decoration is minimalistic, yet welcoming. Key design elements make you smile with their effective simplicity, and the modern and fresh design has a touch of tradition in it.
The first major thing you notice is the big oven in the end of the room. There, chefs, dressed in white, bake some of the restaurants delicious bread-based items, including house specialties like Azniv (flatbread with tomato, cheese, and crispy Armenian sausages), Anayis (rocket, tomato, and basterma), and Arpi (the (in)famous "saroukh" with cheese, onions, and chili powder), all named after the wonderful women who've created the extensive menu.
The ground floor is an open space, with white tables, a marble buffet (with delicious oil-based specialties they like to call "The Delights"), and artificial flowers (a wink at the 1980s). Here, families, friends, and lovers are sitting enjoying some excellent food, drinks, and arghilehs in a convivial setting. Upstairs, the space overlooks the lively scene below and it is the ideal place to hold family dinner or a business lunch.
The true jewel of Batchig, however, is the charming garden. Lined with lemon and jasmine trees, the outdoor area is bursting with energy, and is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon drink (like the wonderful basil lemonade) or a late night arghileh (try the mint and meskeh flavored one). A giant tree in the middle gives plenty of shade, and outdoor fans make it an ideal summer destination.
Throughout, the furniture is a modern twist on Lebanese classics, as are the table settings. Floral plates, old-fashioned glasses, and colorful patterns create an atmosphere that is homey and comfortable.
But, of course, the real reason to come to Batchig is the food. Stemming from the excellent tradition of Mayrig, Batchig takes modern Armenian food and instills it with flavors of the Levant. All of the Mayrig favorites are there, including Mante, Sou Beureg, and the tasty Maamoul bi Jebneh, but it's the new creations that truly define this dinning experience. Try the Jawaneh and Dafadeh for starters, then enjoy a Arayes sandwich, some Sfiha Baalbakieh, a variety of pots, and all of the delights that come out of that firewood oven. For dessert, the Pain Perdu-ian is an Armenian interpretation of the famous dessert, and the Forêt Noire will take you back to your childhood.
Throughout your meal, you'll have smiling waiters, chirping birds, and you're certain to run into a few friends you haven't seen in a while. As a final touch, the eccentric music brings together Michael Jackson, Charles Aznavour, and Asmahan, just as it would on your playlist at home. All in all, Batchig brings all of the things we love about Mayrig (excellent food, friendly service, and tradition) and transforms it into a younger, laid back restaurant that is a welcome addition to the area.
