Halloumi Dust
by Celia Cheng
March 31st, 2008
ANTHOS
36 W 52nd St
(5th & 6th Ave)
212-582-6900
$$$
They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” so for my halloumi dust dessert craving from Anthos, I will let the photo of this dessert speak for itself! These are dried halloumi shavings, which pair perfectly with the accompanying dash of chocolate, hazelnut in pulled sugar, caramelized paximathia (biscotti) and grapefruit candy. You’ve got to love that savory-sweet action and commend Michael Psilakis for coming up with a truly original work of art!
Posted in Cheese , Dessert , Greek , Midtown West
website • menu • reservation • map • tell-a-friend • print • comment
The Greek Gods Fig Yogurt
by Cristy-Lucie Alvarado
March 17th, 2008
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
More store locations
$$
What was once a valuable medicine for the Romans is now my favorite after-dinner treat. Greek yogurts seem to be on the rise, and I have found my favorite in the bunch. While I can appreciate the taste of plain Greek yogurt drizzled with honey (lots of it), The Greek Gods fig yogurt has swept me off my feet. It has the thick consistency of typical Greek yogurt, but a layer of sweet fig spread awaits you at the bottom. Caramel in color and seedy like a Newton, the fig paste is absolutely delightful. Mixed with the honey and yogurt, the result is a creamy, toasty concoction. Forget the medicinal aspects, I’m eating this for taste!
Posted in Dairy , Dessert , Greek , Snack
website • tell-a-friend • print • comment
Lamb 1.3 (Lamb Sandwich)
by Celia Cheng
August 16th, 2007
SNACK
105 Thompson St
(Prince & Spring St)
212-925-1040
$
The lamb sandwich, lamb 1.3. (all of the sandwiches at Snack are named in this way, by meat or method of cooking and a number.) Juicy pieces of braised lamb are served on ciabatta with roasted red onions, tomatoes, arugula and a homemade roasted tomato aioli sauce. The lamb and tomato aioli are like lost lovers reunited at last, while the rest of the flavors do their parts in supporting roles so that all work in unison to create a succulent sandwich. Did I just say succulent sandwich?! Well, it is!
Posted in Greek , Lamb , Sandwich , SoHo
menu • map • tell-a-friend • print • comment
Kalitsounia (lightly fried traditional Cretan cheese & mint dumplings served w/ clover honey)
by Celia Cheng
July 27th, 2007
S’AGAPO
34-21 34th Ave
Astoria, Queens
@ 34th St
718-626-0303
$$
S’agapo’s fried dumpling is fluffy, flaky and delicious! The key is to drizzle clover honey over the dumpling, which makes it good as either appetizer or dessert in my book. The Cretan cheese is smooth like ricotta and the mint is subtle. While you attend to eating other appetizers, fried dumplings can lose their appeal as they cool, but a revisit to these after consuming the main dish proved them to be equally delightful as when they were first served. Now that’s a winner!
Posted in Astoria , Cheese , Dumpling , Greek
menu • map • tell-a-friend • print • comment
Oktapodi Sharas (octopus in red wine marinade over charcoal)
by Celia Cheng
July 26th, 2007
PERIYALI
35 W 20th St
(5th & 6th Ave)
212-463-7890
$$$
I’ve tried the grilled octopus at about eight Greek restaurants in the City this month alone and without a doubt Periyali serves the best! To take advantage of the texture of octopus, the grilled exterior should be crunchy and the inside should be tender and chewy, but neither should ever be rubbery. Fresh out of the kitchen, Periyali’s grilled octopus has the perfect texture and flavor, which it maintains as it cools. From the meatier end of the arms to the tips, every piece tasted uniformly scrumptious. I must give Louise Fili full credit for introducing me to this, and we are in agreement that any non-believer in octopus will easily be converted after tasting Periyali’s signature dish.
Posted in Appetizer , Flat Iron District , Greek , Seafood
website • menu • reservation • map • tell-a-friend • print • comment
