Oktapodi Sharas (octopus in red wine marinade over charcoal)
by Celia Sin-Tien Cheng
July 26, 2007
PERIYALI
35 W 20th St
(5th & 6th Aves)
New York, NY 10011
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.
Also in Flat Iron District, Greek, Octopus, Seafood
