Brushland Eating House — Restaurant in Town of Bovina

I've eaten some of the best meals of my life at Brushland. There is no other place like it: welcoming in a way that distinguishes it from pretty much any other restaurant. Rather than the palpable stress that you usually feel in a restaurant, the laid back vibe and quiet but methodical kitchen is possible due to the simple and humane format: 1 meal, 1 service, three nights a week. If the attention to detail in the food - every course, every morsel - doesn't melt the hard heart of the reluctant cynics among us (note the angry posts here about hipsters and outsiders), the kindness and generosity of the owners will (just to be clear, the food is stellar). While it is not cheap, it is worth saving up for a special occasion. The food and ambiance could easily be two or three times as expensive and it would still draw a sizable crowd. And the portions are very generous - often a complimentary cocktail and digestif and you always leave full. Attentive but unobtrusive service. This is a place where the "flow" has been perfected, and as a guest you have the privilege of being part of something rare and wonderful. Farm to table, with French and Persian influences. I hope that you can experience what we experience...

We called this past Saturday for a reservation and were told the only available seating were either at 5 or 9:30 pm. We decided to try our luck w/o a reservation and drove 30 mins from Roxbury thru the mountains. The restaurant is really cute and cozy and we were able to get seating at the bar. There were one two tables available the entire evening, not sure why we were told there were no reservation between 7 and 8. The feeling inside the restaurant is more NY City that Catskills. The music too loud (for me), the servers "gently" pressing you to order, and then take the plates away from you (while we were still "working on it"). Not really the laid back experience that we anticipated. Too bad. On the food side, we had the toast with fava beans (5 small pieces of baguette - the size of one silver dollar - for $10), the baked carrots (good), the sunchokes and cauliflower (good), the cast iron chicken (nothing special), and finished dinner with the brown butter Blondie...

Absolutely incredible experience. From the moment you walk in the space feels so warm and welcoming and comfortable. Everyone working here is very kind and intentional in creating a wonderful experience.

The beverage list was unique and delicious- wine and beer both. The food left me speechless...simple yet complex, the flavors were exciting and expertly executed. The portions were perfect, just enough to enjoy the course but not be overly full by the end. Each course was paced very well and we never felt rushed to finish something. Everything was fresh and very high quality, approachable dishes with an upscale touch. It's clear a lot of thought and talent is behind each and every aspect.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was communal and fun, but it was also easy to let it melt away and be present with whoever you're dining with.

One of the best dining experiences I've had in NY and I can't wait...