#PeachysPicks #TerrificTakeout A Peachy's Pick Since 2022, Peachy Picks #PaulsOnTimesSquare Since 2014 Winter 2025 by #PaulNicaj #ExecutiveChef #DinoRedzic #NickKrkuti #134West42ndStreet #Manahattan
Owner and Founder Nick Krkuti , Peachy Deegan and Founder, Owner and Executive Chef Dino Redzic, above.
Below, with Founder, Owner and Namesake the Living Legend Paul Nicaj
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It's not who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we have loved knowing these guys for a dozen years and counting. Peachy Deegan was honored to be the first one to review Battery Gardens (now by a different name) after Hurricane Sandy when it became a Peachy's Pick in 2013, and that is how she met Paul Nicaj.
The world may think of Champagne and Times Square predominantly at New Year's but you should know that at Paul's On Times Square, every day is a celebration and this trifecta of winners imagines the most delicious dinners in Times Square that will wow you! There is no noise or commotion when you take the elevator up to the lobby, in stark contrast to the craziness outside on 42nd street. Paul's Times Square is gorgeous and welcoming to all, tourists and locals alike.
We knew them before this existed, and we were fortunate to see it being built.
Paul's On Times Square started in November 2014, and we might have been the first to review it ten years ago in February 2015. We loved it so much we returned that fall in 2015, again in 2016, and it became a Peachy's Pick in 2022.
Pauls On Times Square is a classic that never goes out of style; we began with the Caesar Salad: Crisp Romaine with Shaved Parmesan, Homemade Croutons & Caesar Dressing and we opted to add Shrimp. We suggest you do the same, especially because the shrimp are not so shrimpy in size and they are absolutely delicious in their seared glory. These guys know us so well we don't have to say dressing on the side because they already know Ms. Pretty Picky. Of course the dressing was on the side and of course if you want yours dressed, we are confident that is how it will arrive. Another winner of a starter is the Caprese Salad: Buffalo Mozzarella with Heirloom Tomatoes, Roasted Peppers & Balsamic, and we reveled in the freshness and simplicity.
It is no secret that Peachy Deegan has heightened Chicken Parm ambitions, and this Chicken Parmesan with delightful marinara, capped off with luxurious mozzarella just hits the spot on a day when you feel like you're in competition with Jack Frost. As you know, pictures are never edited and the truth is that your dinner here will look just as amazing.
The pasta section boasts tremendous depth at Paul's On Times Square. We began with Follie Di Melanzane: Rigatoni Pasta with Eggplant, Fresh Mozzarella and their signature Marinara Sauce. If you are a vegan and not a Deegan, this is a dish for you especially! Penne Vodka, below is tremendously flavorful and a wonderful change of pace from the marinara. It goes without saying that pasta options are perfectly al dente.
The best pasta of them all this visit was without a doubt the Lobster Ravioli, which we adored. You have sauce options and we chose Alfredo sauce, which sets off the lobster to stratospheric levels of deliciousness. They also have fish here and the Red Snapper you cannot get at many places in Manhattan and we rejoiced in its seafaring welcome; Dino tells us he has been sourcing from Tony's Seafood in Hunts Point for three decades. Asparagus and potatoes sing backup to the snapper.
Amir Isamani is the most pleasant waiter you'll meet if you are lucky to go on a day he is there; he graciously greeted us not knowing of our writing intentions which is the best way you can be absolutely certain he will welcome you too. We were also delighted to meet GM of a year Greg Haladus. The seating here is fantastic and spacious and you are not sitting on top of other people.
The most favorite edible of Peachy on this visit was without a doubt the champion Angus Burger! You have a choice of cheese and ours was cheddar; the lettuce, tomato and onion round out the party perfectly and it was grilled exactly as we asked: medium rare.
Paul's On Times Square continues to be Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
Their website tells us:
Paul Nicaj
Namesake Paul Nicaj, is a legend in the New York City hospitality industry. Born to Albanian parents in Montenegro, Paul Nicaj immigrated to the United States in 1968 with the dream of making it big in the hospitality industry.
Nicaj launched his career by working at The Plaza Hotel for the next twenty-eight years, Pierre Hotel for six years and now owning an interest in more than a dozen NYC restaurants, heading a hospitality army of more than seven hundred employees.
Princess Diana teamed up with the famous New York City restaurateur to create a whimsical afternoon tea at the Plaza. The “Princess Diana Tea” was a huge hit, showcasing Paul’s innovation and the Plaza’s elegance.
Paul authored “Uncle Paul’s” which is staple in the world of restaurants.
Chef Dino Redzic
Chef Dino Redzic’s ascent from Montenegro to the pinnacle of New York City’s culinary scene is a story of passion and perseverance. He crafts authentic Italian cuisine at Paul’s on Times Square, where each dish is a testament to their collective dedication to freshness and tradition.
Chef Dino’s journey, marked by a deep reverence for culinary excellence, began well before the neon glow of Times Square. His tenure in renowned kitchens taught him not just the craft, but the very essence of gastronomy, which he now expresses through his unique culinary offerings.
Celebrity Chef Dino has appeared on many TV cooking shows. Dino In The News.
Nick Krkuti
Since the late 1980s, pizza connoisseur and entrepreneur Nick Krkuti has owned and operated dozens of pizzerias and restaurants throughout the tri-state area. Nick’s expertise in this field has put him at the consulting front of many success stories. Nick has single-handedly opened various neighborhood pizzerias throughout Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. With his knowledge in the field, he can easily guide a client in the right direction when starting a new business. Not only does Nick have a background in food and beverage, but he has also owned and operated a construction management business, which put his skills to use when building new shops from scratch. With decades of experience, Nick is well-versed in every aspect of the business and is an asset to Uncle Paul’s Hospitality Group. Nick has successfully launched Not Ray’s Pizza in 1991, located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn.
