(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
First Taste: Dip into Duna's rich (and healthy) peasant food
26 June 2017
So long Motze, hello Duna, where "classic peasant food" delivers rich and exquisite flavors in the Mission.
Cortney Burns and Nick Balla are experimenting with cuisines from Eastern Europe and Budapest in woodsy-modern space with ample natural light. Healthy eaters will rejoice at the many vegetarian and gluten-free options, while hearty eaters will be more than happy to dig into the many dips and plates of spatzle.
The menu offers a range of dishes made with local and organic ingredients, many of which are also gluten-free.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Duna offers two tasty cocktail options, a rye and smoked tangerine drink (first from left) and a delicious strawberry juniper High Balla (third from left).
Photo by Sarah Chorey
There are several wine options, including two Hungarian wines to complement the various Eastern European offerings.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
A tasty option for vegetarians is the Belgrade dish of delicious lentil croquettes, roasted spinach, cauliflower, and yogurt with turmeric spices.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
The Budapest/Brooklyn salad is a healthy mix of paprika salami slices, cubes of pepper jack cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, and peppers.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Another must-get, the spatzle is made with fresh farmer's cheese and a mound of stewed tomatoes, perfectly seasoned with hints of oregano.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
One of the most engaging menu items is the smoked potato flatbread with various dips. Dips are available a la carte, letting you select from five options depending on what you're craving.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
The paprika cheese dip is rich and creamy, covered with toasted sesame seeds.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Definitely grab a side of the sprouted white bean dip with slices of garlic.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
If you enjoy baba ganoush, definitely give their preserved eggplant dip a try.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Dad's Favorite (left) is a creamy, chilled buttermilk dish with cucumber, onion, dill, and apple cider vinegar. The chicken paprika and spatzle was also a stunner with mushrooms and sour cream.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Anyone who loves beets will enjoy the chilled beet soup with kefir and crunchy almond pieces.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Don't forget dessert! Choose from frozen cheesecake bars, PB&J truffles, or this tasty cherry and fennel sorbet with pistachio spread.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
The interiors are warm and inviting: a mix of mellow yellows, warm woods, and twiggy accents to bring in elements of nature.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Duna sits at the end of Valencia Street, on the edge of the Mission.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Enjoy the elegant decor and relaxed vibes for a peaceful, casual date.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
// Duna, 983 Valencia St. (MIssion), is open for dinner daily; duna.kitchen.
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