Peachy Picks Taverna Kyclades Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
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Just like Saks has their own zip code for their shoe department, Taverna Kyclades could have their own zip code for their seafood. Owners Caterina and Ardian Skenderi have shown us that Taverna Kyclades is not their occupation: it is their vocation. An academic we know quite well did an in-depth study of the philsophical/theological thoughts of vocation and showed us there is quite a difference between one's vocation and one's job. Some restaurants and employees of restaurants see what they do as a job and it is both disappointing and disheartening to interact with those that do not live for the pursuit of excellence. In our observation, it is clear that Taverna Kyclades does not function merely as a group of people going to work. Their vocation is your dinner. And Ardian is at that fish market in the middle of the night himself selecting the most choice seafood for your plate and ultimately your stomach.
Taverna Kyclades is simply the best new Manhattan restaurant we have seen in quite awhile, and that's not by a mile, it's by a marathon.
Taverna Kyclades was first featured in Terrific Takeout:
In the takeout review, it was their idea that we try the Spanakopita: Phylo Pie with Spinach, Leeks and Feta. After Peachy Deegan ate it that first time, she dreamed about it many times. It was the first thing she ordered when she walked in the door and if she was Snoopy and Caterina and Ardian Skenderi were Charlie Brown and the Little Red Haired Girl, this Snoopy would get off her back from being on that red doghouse and scurry down in a hurry for dinner with the Spanakopita in the dish. We know you've seen the Peanuts specials. The spinach is fresh, the crust is perfectly flaky and we never dreamed about this when we tried it anywhere else. You must eat the Spanakopita or you can't pass GO and collect $200.
The wine selection at Taverna Kyclades is simply outstanding. Peachy Deegan began with the ripe, robust, delicious Gaia "Notious," St. Georges, Pelopponse, which proved to be the perfect liquid companion for the night. Of course, you want to feel like you are in Greece and drink Greek wine but know that they also have Champagne. Over 20 white wines are on the wine list and nearly as many reds. Peachy also tried Estate Mitravelas, Nemea which was also fantastic. The setting is somewhat casual: there are not tablecloths, but you don't need them. You can't eat tablecloths. Both times we've gone to Taverna Kyclades there was not an empty table in sight and the bar is also packed; people are more than happy to wait. Thank you Taverna Kyclades for fitting us in! We could see the beaucoup de demand for our table...
Of course, we highly recommend you eat fish when you frequent Taverna Kyclades. Just looking at what is gracing the ice will get your mouth watering!
Peachy's favorite cuisine just happens to be seafood...and Peachy ordered the Fagri New Zealand Pink Snapper. It hit the high note just like Lorde, another New Zealander, and it was flavorful and fresh. Deciding which fish to be on your dish at Taverna Kyclades is one of life's biggest decisions, but you can always go back and try new selections. There is not a bad fish there! They expertly filet it for you:
It's in a word, majestic.
Our esteemed panelists add:
As soon as I get off an airplane when arriving in New York, attending to the needs of my stomach is at the top of my list. As I don't live in New York, I rely on Peachy's suggestions and she hit it out of the park with Taverna Kyclades! I began with the Octopodi: Charcoal Grilled Mediterranean Octopus and it was absolute perfection. It was better than the octopus I had at Milos on another New York trip. The pure succulence of this dish impressed me from the start and I knew this dinner would be the best part of my business trip to New York.
When Peachy asked what I had to say about the Octopus, the first thing that came out of my mouth was Oh My God! This was the most tender Octopus, and both the quality and the portion size were reminiscent of a Greek God.
As an entree, I opted for the Organic Salmon Steak, also known as Solomos, and it was also amazing!
I began with the Kidonia Gemista: Stuffed Clams with Crabmeat. It was gigantic: the size of an entree. There were 12 delicious clams accented by the crabmeat with a spectacular golden crust. They had a nice texture and the flavor was delicate; at lesser venues there can be too much spice but this was ideally balanced. I loved them. They were great!
For my entree, I chose Mavrohanno: Black Sea Bass. It was grilled in an excellent fashion,
So did we like it here? No, we loved it here. We even visited a second time before we left New York!
We sipped on the Tsantali Raspany, Thessaly, a medium-bodied spectacular wine. The service was tops and we were given great suggestions on what to drink. We shared the sides, suggested by the powers-that-be at Taverna Kyclades and they each hit the spot and were spot-on:
Since when did greens taste so superb? Well, if you are at Taverna Kyclades, rewind to the Spanakopita...but not everywhere has inviting vegetables. And this was fresh and flavorful! Please meet the divine Broccoli Rabe infused with feta. Ms. I Don't Like Feta Deegan liked THIS feta.
We may not be Greek but we sure are Irish and we know potatoes! The Patates Fournou: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, were just smashing! They were an incredible highlight to the fish, and you know that fish is often served with lemon....
Right up there with the Spanakopita is the Kyclades Fries: Fried Potatoes. These are the kind of dish that you just can't stop eating, they are that good.
The perfect ending for all: Galaktobouriko. It is highly addictive and absolutely hits the spot in all its semolina custard glory including a citrus honey syrup.
Life is short. Eat your best dinner. Go to Taverna Kyclades!
Peachy Picks Taverna Kyclades!
Taverna Kyclades Has Earned Our Highest Recommendation.
Taverna Kyclades is the Best Greek Cuisine in Manhattan.
Of course, they still rock in a big way.
We think they should open a second Manhattan location!
