Terrific Takeout: Taverna Kyclades East Village Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
We're still not kidding when we say their fish should have their own zip code!
The superior Black Sea Bass, triumphant on your plate
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One of the best places new to us that we published on in 2014 for the first time was the absolutely phenomenal Taverna Kyclades, which has been killing it in a good way in Manhattan since they opened in September 2013. And did you know they are also open for lunch? It was featured early last year in Terrific Takeout:
and our formal review confirmed what we thought in the first place (this does not always happen!):
We were delighted to return recently to Caterina and Ardian Skenderi's spot in Manhattan, and were happy to see Ardian and have a glass of wine and Caterina, we still look forward to meeting you.
This time we noticed Saint Nicholas at the bar and we were told he is the saint of fish. Well, he couldn't be at a better place!
For our green salad, we ordered the Kyclades Salad (remember you say it Key-Cla-Das - Peachy has to remind herself she is bad at remembering pronunciation of the non-English or non-French) and the dressing nicely arrived on the side. The signature salad of this venue boasts romaine lettuce, scallions, dill, feta, olives and pepperoncini. We cannot emphasize enough how fresh everything here is, especially the dill on this salad and of course the fish. The fragrance of the dill entices you before you even open your mouth and enjoy this bastion of nutrition.
Of everything we eat, there are few items we can remember off the top of our head that stand out at a particular spot.
Without a doubt the best Spanakopita we've ever had has been here, and two thumbs up on the tremendous consistency. Peachy Deegan dreams about the Spanakopita of Taverna Kyclades. Lucky for her, and you too, dreams come true at 228 First Avenue.
When some say there's something fishy going on, they may think something is up; however, at Taverna Kyclades, FISHY is exactly how you want it! For our entree, we told them we would like fish. There is no such thing as a bad fish at Taverna Kyclades: every fish there is top of the line because Ardian himself goes to the fish market and personally selects every one. If the fish were alive and had hands we think he'd probably shake their hand too; their taste is just THAT stand up.
Ardian suggested the Black Sea Bass, also known as Mavrohanno, and it was an excellent suggestion.
We love that they serve a whole big fish and just like that old hamburger commercial where they say "where's the beef?" here, you will never say "where's the fish." It is one big splendid fish filleted for you, fresh and perfect. More than once, we have said to ourselves at other restaurants, "that fish is not as good as the one Ardian would pick out." The taste and flavor is clearly superior and if you like fish, what are you waiting for. GO! NOW! While you can still get a table...
The fish arrangement is just as laudable as the taste:
Taverna Kyclades continues to earn our Highest Recommendation.
And P.S. did you know Ardian used to be a professional basketball player in Europe?
