Greek Cuisines
Going Greek at Loi Estiatorio
When Maria Loi — frequently referred to as the “Martha Stewart of Greece” — shuttered her eponymous, Upper West Side restaurant last June, there was little doubt that she would eventually stage a grand New York comeback. And in fact, Loi has managed to do just that in record time, launching the sleek Loi Estiatorio only last month…
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Date Night – Pylos
It ain’t easy to wine and dine in this fine city without burning a hole in your wallet, but there are a few romantic gems that don’t break the bank. In fact, we prefer the intimate setting and the thousands of white urns dangling from the ceiling at this East Village Greek. The wine selection at Pylos is excellent and affordable, and the food is even better – try homestyle Greek delicacies, like Grilled Baby Lamb Chops with mini-stuffed eggplants, Scallops in an Ouzo Tomato Sauce, and of course, pita and a trio of classic dipping sauces perfect for sharing. Don’t worry… two people with garlic breath cancel each other...
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Pylos – The Destination Date
Dating can be a bit monotonous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Add some spontaneity and fun to the mix with a destination date. No, we’re not suggesting you scour the internet for cheap flights and hotels with an ocean view room (although that’s not a bad idea). Instead, travel to Greece for the night with a meal at Pylos in the East Village. We love the romantic setting, a white-washed dining room with cozy throw pillows and over 1,000 clay pots dangling from the ceiling above. Pylos serves classic Greek food with a modern edge, like a vegetarian moussaka made with artichoke hearts or grilled haloumi with grappa and grapes. Consulting chef Diane Kochilas is the leading expert on Greek cuisine in America and the menu she’s collaborated on here reflects her love of the flavors and...
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Milos
This midtown Greek spot is admittedly pricey, but you’d be hard-pressed to find whole fish as fresh as the ice display here. Start with the grilled octopus and tomato salad and head to the ice display to shop for your dinner. (If you see langoustines, grab them.) If not, there’s plenty of other excellent and hard-to-find options the likes of white salmon.
Read MoreAthens Tavern
Cuisine: Contemporary Greek Vibe: Unassuming neighborhood spot Occasion: Family dinner Don’t-Miss Dish: Baked whole fish; rabbit with bergamot Drink Specialty: Greek wines Price: Appetizers, $5-$12.95; entrees, $17-$27; desserts, $6.50-$8.50 Reservations Accepted, but not necessary. Address: 23-01 31 St., at the corner of 23rd Ave. (Astoria, NY) Phone: (718)267-0800 Capsule: This earnest Greek restaurant delivers a terrific baked whole fish. You don’t dine at Athens Tavern for its decorative nods to the Mediterranean coast. It’s a humble Astoria eatery on a street with a healthy scattering of Greek restaurants. There is no vaulted ceiling or breezy white drapery. It’s a simple space with white paper-covered tables, windows facing the street and terra-cotta walls and kitschy canvases of men performing a traditional Greek dance. You go to Athens Tavern for the whole baked fish stuffed with wild greens. On some nights,...
Read MoreKefi
222 W. 79th St., btwn. Broadway & Amsterdam (212)873-0200 TYPE: Rustic Greek cuisine VIBE: Snug isle oasis OCCASION: A neighborhood outing or casual affair DON’T MISS DISH: Flat pasta & braised rabbit DON’T BOTHER DISH: Shrimp & scallop souvlaki DRINK SPECIALTY: Greek wines & house cocktails PRICE: $30 & up – CASH ONLY HOURS: Dinner, 7 days a week, Sun – Wed, 5 PM – 10 PM, Thu – Sat, 5 PM-11PM. RESERVATIONS: Reservations recommended on weekends. RESTAURANT GIRL RATES: 7 for food, 6 for atmosphere FINAL WORD: The food at the newly reinvented Kefi, a family-style Greek, may be his mother’s cooking in theory, but Michael Psilakis is clearly the talented executioner. Chef-owner Michael Psilakis has reinvented his modern Greek restaurant, Onera, transforming it into a peasant-style Greek. Perhaps, the Upper West Side wasn’t the most ideal neighborhood...
Read MoreBarbounia
250 Park Avenue South (at 20th St.) (212)995-0242 TYPE: Mediterranean VIBE: Festive oasis OCCASION: Take a Mediterranean vacation GO WITH: A group (birthday) or date DON’T MISS DISH: Octopus meze DON’T BOTHER DISH: Dessert PRICE: $50 HOURS: Lunch & Dinner, Sun & Mon 5:30-11:30; Tu-Th 5:30-12; Fri-Sat. 5:30-12:30 PM RESTAURANT GIRL RATES (1-10): 6 FINAL WORD: Sink into a pillow & go fish. Even a gourmet junkie, like myself, can get tired of eating foie gras foam and other molecularly-altered edibles night after night, which is why Barbounia may be the perfect vacation not only from post-modern fare, but also from the city itself. In fact, Barbounia seems to embrace a “recline & dine” Mediterranean philosophy. Upon entrance, waves of creamy fabric draped from a soaring ceiling evoke a dine-by-the-sea feel. From an oddly feathery chandelier to pillow-stuffed banquettes,...
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