Dinner: First Night
Late night sushi dinner at Marumi, 546 Laguadia Place (West Village). It was late, I was hungry and tired after a 4-hour flight delay (thank you Delta) and my camera was in the car, so no photos…but Marumi is worth mentioning. A favorite for residents in the neighborhood and worth a trip for others looking for interesting Japanese food. I ate scallop sashimi with sea urchin and mackeral sashimi in vinegar sauce.
Dinner: Day 2
Kefi, 505 Columbus Avenue (Upper West Side). One of the translations for Kefi is “joy” and it is always a joy to eat at one of Michael Psilikis’ restaurants. I became a fan a couple of years ago when I was invited to a tasting dinner at his very upscale Anthos (one of only 2 Greek restaurants in the world with a Michelin star). Kefi, more approachable ($$-wise) and authentically and atmospherically Greek was another great experience. Steve Koutsou, the executive chef, spent 9 years at March, NYC and has now been with Michael Psilikis for the past 3 years.
I ate (tasted):
Appetzers: Grilled octopus with white bean salad; Cypriot sausage with radish, olives & Tsatziki; Warm feta, tomatoes, capers, anchovy, peppers; typical mixed spreads, highlighted by a great hummus of chick peas made with sundried tomatoes.
Entrees: Branzino grilled over tiny fingerling potatoes, olives, tomatoes and capers.
Desserts: Several selections were brought to the table, but the standout to me was the Halvah sesame sorbet which accompanied a chocolate mousse.
[Unfortunately, the ambient lighting and my camera were at odds so, once again, no photos.]
Pictured: Me with Chef Psilikis. I wasn’t as looped as I looked…at least I don’t think so.
Good News!
By the time this is published, the very prolific and hugely successful chef will have opened another restaurant on the Upper West Side called Gus & Gabriel (named for his father & son). A departure from Greek cuisine, this ‘gastro pub’ will be serving up comfort food in a very clubby and warm townhouse setting. Expect things like pork riblets, fish & chips, chili, etc.
And I’m delighted yet another venture will soon be opening at the Viceroy in the Brickell area of downtown Miami. Not so far for me to travel.
More NY to come: a foodie tour of the downtown financial district, Little Russia by the Sea (Brighton Beach), New York markets, catering a private party and the scenic view.
And I promise there will be food photos…LOTS!
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Lucky you Joan! Great to see you with "the man" himself! Look forward to reading about more of your stories!
Get me to the Greek restaurant! Joan, all your experiences sound SO fun and tasty!
Joni: It was great to share I ate New York with you…….Norma
Sounds great Joan! You ate well, and there's more to come huh?! I have yet to eat at Kefi, should make a point to go soon!
How fun! Look forward to more of the tour!
So glad you are having an outstanding vacation. I"m jealous..but still happy for you. In a former life, I had an unlimited expense account and NYC was in my territory even though I lived in California. And I did eat everywhere, Four Seasons being a favorite and then the little places where I would become friends with the chef. No blog back then unfortunately.
In today's economy, the little gems and ethnic restaurants are where the value is…dollar-wise and for us foodies satisfaction-wise.
I've heard so much about Psillakis, if I ever visit New York, this is one of the places I would like to visit. Looking forward to your other posts as well.
Thanks for sharing Joan…so lucky to meet Michael.
How cool is this…you got a pic with Michael! The Gus & Gabe locale is where Kefi used to be and where I dined.
Now on to your next installment….
We do that all the time in the city
. I recommend to check also what restaurant you have around you on eat24hours. We do that all the time and it is fun there are so many just choose what you feel like eating 
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