Yummy!

Last night I did something I almost never do. I wanted to try a new restaurant and as I strolled down 20th and 7th after work I passed this charming bistro called Periyali. I decided to just walk in, without even looking at the menu. I was feeling adventurous, the place was packed and I figured taking chances is a good thing. They were booked with reservations so the host (with the most) asked if I minded dining at the bar, something I’m usually not very fond of doing. However, I decided to continue on with my adventure seeking attitude and agreed to dine at the bar (eating a meal at the bar might not sound that adventurous to you…but trust me, it is in the urban jungle I live in!). The host was very accommodating and made up a lovely little place setting for me. However, in a cruel trick of fate, as I opened the menu that was placed in front of me, the first entree I noticed was mousaka, then, grilled lamb…tzatziki…this was a GREEK restaurant! Having just returned from twelve days in the Mediterranean I had to laugh at this ironic twist. I decided to stay anyway since the surroundings were so comfortable and host had been so accommodating. The bartender who served me was incredibly attentive, charming and, of course, Greek…a happy reminder of the lovely people I met during my trip. Of course I had to tell him about my travels and as it turns out he was very familiar with the island of Paros that I visited, and said that he traveled to Paros after he graduated high school. After the host heard I had just returned from Greece he also regaled me with stories from his childhood in Greece and how he dreamed of getting back there soon. It was all very charming. But let’s get back to the real focus…the food. I decided to start with the stuffed eggplant special…to die for! Delicious grilled eggplant stuffed with tomatoes, capers and feta. For my entree I opted for the Souvlaki Fileto, a delicious charcoal grilled filet and vegetable kebab served with a scrumptious Greek rice. I washed it all down with a Greek wine suggested to me by the bartender. The dinner actually ended up being a really great finish to the end of a lovely two weeks of Grecian experiences. My server was charming and curious, the food was absolutely delicious and the quaint space was comfortable and very welcoming. I will definitely be back to Periyali, probably in mid-winter when I’ll need a reminder of island warmth, great food and the welcoming Greek spirit.

Periyali
35 W. 20th St.
New York, NY 10011
212.463.7890

http://www.periyali.com/index.htm