Behold Acabar, a Plush European Spiced Den in Hwood

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Wow. Check out this stunner. Sure, much of Dar Maghreb's 42-year-old mosaic of Moroccan stone and intricate colored wood etchings continue to flavor the space, but new owners Roland Emmerich, Jerry Murray plus Sue Choi and brothers Frederic and Nicolas Meschin of The Little Door/Little Next Door have redressed the restaurant and lounge into Acabar. Chef Octavio Becerra (Palate Food + Wine) is running the 3,900 square foot eatery's bill of fare which, according to restaurant reps, is supposed to "take diners on a culinary journey along the Spice Trail."

There's definitely seasonal influence and some French inspiration, and the very first item on the menu is named "Porn Bread" (corn, aged cheddar, almond-honey butter). Just saying. Other than the $86 32-ounce côte de bœuf, eats mostly involves small plates priced between $8 (assorted olives) and $17 (seared scallops with vadouvan-beurre noisette).

Josh Goldman and Julian Cox of Soigné Group worked out Acabar's cocktail menu, and drinks are organized by era, like Archaic Era (1798-1830) and Modern Era ( 2000 to present).

With regard to design, management hired Keith Greco of Greco Decor to remove walls, add columns, patch up damaged tile work, and overall arrange the restaurant as pictured above. Hours of operation run Tuesday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
·Acabar Replacing Dar Maghreb in July with All-Star Crew [~ELA~]