mmmmmm, Zaytinya...
Do you like food? And not just food that fills your belly, but food that taste spectacularly good? If you answered "yes", and you really meant it, get your ass to Zaytinya. Its stupendous. Run by Chef Jose Andres, of Jaleo and Cafe Atlantico fame, its another mezze (tapas or small plate) restaurant. This time serving up your favorite Eastern Mediterranean fare (Turkish, Lebanese, and Greek).
The menu stretches on with delicious choices, but the highlights from last night were the Kibbeh (Fried beef, wheat, almonds, pinenuts and currants), Seared Salmon Kebob with sundried tomatoes and sesame seeds, Havuc Koftesi (a carrot, apricot and pinenut fritter with pistachio sauce. My personal favorite), and the Fattoush (sort of a chopped vegetable salad). Everything was delicious, but I have to say that unless you've never had Turkish or Lebanese don't bother with the hummous or falafel (probably the babganoush and tabouli also). They're good, but not any better than you can find elsewhere in the city (at say Lebanese Taverna). Be adventurous, and it will be sure to pay off.
I am sad to say that we didn't try any of the desserts, but I've heard only raves about them.
Overall, the atmosphere is classy, the service is good, and the food comes quick. The only problem is that you can find yourself waiting for a table because they don't accept reservations for after 6:30. But you can always entertain yourself at the bar with some ouzo.
(If you don't trust me, you can probably believe these folks)
The menu stretches on with delicious choices, but the highlights from last night were the Kibbeh (Fried beef, wheat, almonds, pinenuts and currants), Seared Salmon Kebob with sundried tomatoes and sesame seeds, Havuc Koftesi (a carrot, apricot and pinenut fritter with pistachio sauce. My personal favorite), and the Fattoush (sort of a chopped vegetable salad). Everything was delicious, but I have to say that unless you've never had Turkish or Lebanese don't bother with the hummous or falafel (probably the babganoush and tabouli also). They're good, but not any better than you can find elsewhere in the city (at say Lebanese Taverna). Be adventurous, and it will be sure to pay off.
I am sad to say that we didn't try any of the desserts, but I've heard only raves about them.
Overall, the atmosphere is classy, the service is good, and the food comes quick. The only problem is that you can find yourself waiting for a table because they don't accept reservations for after 6:30. But you can always entertain yourself at the bar with some ouzo.
(If you don't trust me, you can probably believe these folks)
posted by Fletch at
1:06 PM
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