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Orhan
Yegen has changed the name of the quick-service restaurant
formerly known as Efendi while retaining the menu. The recipes
are entirely traditional Turkish and while there is no menu,
Yegen cooks solely as his whims and fresh ingredients permit
each day. His passion for classic cuisine is a fine match
for the décor set in mustard tones and blue tile with
pounded-copper tables. Choices for this inexpensive dinner
can be selected from an array of delicious mezes followed
with simply seasoned grilled meats or home-cooked styled entrees
and you should surely end your meal with the ever popular
Kadayif.
Tartine
253 W. 11th St (@ W. 4th St); 212-229-2611
This diminutive West Village treasure serving French bistro
fare doesn't take reservations or credit cards and lining
up for a superb lunch or dinner here is worth the wait. The
intimate, unpretentious atmosphere of Tartine is the perfect
setting for the deliciously prepared, hearty French menu.
Bring your favorite wine to compliment the authentic cuisine
and atypical Manhattan prices. Specialties including French
onion soup, quiche with red peppers, onions, goat cheese and
basil, grilled herb-encrusted salmon, croque-monsieur and
sesame crusted tuna. The desserts are spectacular, featuring
blueberry pear cobbler with vanilla ice cream, dacquoise of
ganache chocolate, meringue and hazelnut with toasted almonds.
Thali
28 Greenwich Ave (bet Charles & W. 10th St); 212-367-7411
“Thali” translates literally as “plate,"
one of which is what you will be served for lunch and dinner
here. There is no menu and entrees are determined by what
the chef prepares for that day and will always include a lentil
dish, a potato dish, and a vegetable dish, all vegetarian
and homemade with the freshest ingredients and spices. The
mango lassi - a cooling yogurt-based drink is a must with
every meal. If you compliment the food, they will often bring
you extra portions – all for under $12 for one of New
York’s best dinner bargains.
The
Black Cat (AKA: Funky Nassau)
122 E. 7th St (bet 1st & Ave A); 212-253-2331
Formerly known as Funky Nassau, this is a time-honored East
Village hangout where the lively crowd can loaf for hours
enjoying their own libations kept in under-table coolers.
The setting is part BYO social club and part organic bistro.
The limited menu changes frequently, featuring a strictly
organic and always inexpensive offerings of eclectic and international
fare. Fresh specialty entrees included duck confit shellacked
with sweet-tart jerk sauce, and gamey grilled Venison sausage
offset with bing cherry-molasses accompanied with fragrant
dried-fruit couscous.
TOC
6 Clinton St (bet Houston & Stanton St); 212-228-9388
Taste
of Clinton provides a contemporary décor without pretense
accompanied by polite service and flavorful yet atypical Thai
fare. The menu selections here surpass the standard mushy
flavors, overuse of cilantro and gummy textures common in
so many Thai restaurants. Instead, TOC prepares dishes that
are skillfully layered with flavors from the simplest to the
most complex of specialties. Highlights include beef sate
with sweet hints of cardamom and other spices. Tom kha gai
soup rich with coconut, galangal and tart lemongrass, a crispy
and chewy pad thai, and a simple onion-and-basil sauté.
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