Terrific Takeout: Rafina Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
The superlative Lavraki (Whole Striped Bass) of Rafina
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our first Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
For more information about Fresh Origins, visit their website at
It's nearly a blizzard in Manhattan, and it's practically the superbowl everywhere (GO PATRIOTS!). That means we are especially interested in comfort food, and the Kolokithakia Tiganita of Rafina is one of our most favorite finger foods in all of Manhattan. Don't worry, you don't have to remember that long name, just tell Rafina founder and owner Dennis Spilios that you are most interested in the fresh zucchini fried and served with a garlic creamy spread. No need to learn Greek, especially if you went to a Jesuit school and have even less knowledge of it since there were no sororities or fraternities (but there were phenomenal athletics which we believe to be better!).
Warning: this could be addictive, and if you have others around you you'll be forced to share (in that event-make it a double order!). These freshly fried beauties are absolutely delicious and the garlic creamy spread is music to our tastebuds.
Rafina is gorgeous, and popular. We aim to visit places at non-prime times. Previously, Rafina was featured in Peachy's Picks in 2011:
and was featured in the fall last year, 2014 again:
We are total advocates of green salads as part of a balanced meal (we would never only eat a salad!) and the Traditional Greek Salad of Rafina is just phenomenal. Every component is super fresh and crunchy, and important if you want to stay clean, cut into bite sized pieces properly (but if you get something on your outfit, you know where we've told you to send it! Hallak is the best.)
Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, generous chunks of feta cheese and olives (with no pit, applause from Peachy) team up for a winning plate.
Though the best Greek venues excel in many kinds of fish, we opted for the Lavraki, which means Whole Striped Bass. Its moist, fresh, delicate qualities won us over again, and Rafina gets points for consistency. Dennis takes tremendous pride in each and every plate that is placed in front of you, you being every client that walks in the door.
Capers dot the Lavraki highlighting every bite, and the plate is festively decorated with lemon spirals, which also enhance the intrinsic flavor of the poisson (sorry, we studied French, not Greek!).
Rafina serves rice and vegetables on the side with main course, and they are the perfect accompaniment. Of course, Rafina is Terrific Takeout! And, if you like music, Dennis sings on Saturdays...and being that Rafina is on 1st and 37th in a fixed geography, he literally could be a part of the Midtown Men! (more on these great guys later!).
