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
$$$
I’ve tried the grilled octopus at about eight Greek restaurants in the City this month alone and without a doubt Periyali serves the best! To take advantage of the texture of octopus, the grilled exterior should be crunchy and the inside should be tender and chewy, but neither should ever be rubbery. Fresh out of the kitchen, Periyali’s grilled octopus has the perfect texture and flavor, which it maintains as it cools. From the meatier end of the arms to the tips, every piece tasted uniformly scrumptious. I must give Louise Fili full credit for introducing me to this, and we are in agreement that any non-believer in octopus will easily be converted after tasting Periyali’s signature dish.
Posted in Appetizer , Flat Iron District , Greek , Seafood
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Croquetas Cremosas (creamy croquettes)
by Celia Cheng
April 28th, 2007
BOQUERIA
53 W 19th St
(5th & 6th Ave)
212-255-4160
$$
I LOVE the croquettes at Boqueria! Six little croquettes are served in a long slender dish. There are two each of three varieties. The flavors on the menu change but I’ve tasted the salt cod, mushroom and Serrano ham. The three different types are shaped distinctively but I enjoy not knowing what’s what until I bite into them. The outer crust is thick and crunchy. The mushroom is like a rich, cream of mushroom soup, deep-fried and encapsulated into bite-sized snacks. The codfish and jámon fillings are equally smooth and velvety, calling out for me to order more.
Posted in Flat Iron District , Spanish , Tapas
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Cojonudo
by Celia Cheng
December 25th, 2006
BOQUERIA
53 W 19th St
(5th & 6th Ave)
212-255-4160
$$
This mini egg and sausage open face sandwich is adorable and addictive. A fried quail egg layered on a slice of chorizo on top of toast make up this dainty little treat. They’re bite size, and an order only comes with two, so get ready to place lots of repeat orders! Though I’m a fan of almost all the tapas at Boqueria, the cojonudo is definitely a favorite!
Posted in Flat Iron District , Spanish , Tapas
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