Restaurant Week is a wonderful opportunity to try restaurants that might normally be out of your reach, and Kim and I certainly took advantage of that this year. What’s even more heartening is that, even though RW officially ends this coming Sunday, so many restaurants are extending their menus, or offering comparable deals well into the spring. Periyali is one such establishment, and their $35 prix fixe is not to be missed.
Be sure to dress up to visit this intimate Greek eatery in the Flatiron District; anything less than your finest will feel lackluster in this stunningly appointed restaurant. And the menu’s no slouch either. Your server will likely speak lovingly of the favorite octopus and the famous lamb chop. I promise you, he’s not exaggerating. The octopus is marinated in red wine, charcoal grilled, and served with a lemon wedge. It’s not the least bit rubbery thanks to the marinade and has a wonderfully smokey aftertaste. The lamb chop is equally impressive, served with rosemary roast potatoes and green beans. In less polite company, I might have gnawed on the bone to get every last bit of juicy meat off my plate. And luckily, no one will make you choose when it comes to dessert. The combination plate includes an almond cookie covered in powdered sugar, orange cake, and walnut cake, the perfect conclusion to a wonderfully fresh and simple meal.
Be sure to check out my pictures and some other meal options after the jump.
Posted by: Nicole Price Fasig
Order: oktapodi sharas (octopus), paidakia thedrolivano (lamb chops), walnut cake, orange cake, Greek cookies
Price: $$$$
Location: 35 W. 20th St. (between 5th Ave. and 6th Ave.)
Type of Food: Greek
Veggie Friendly? N
www.periyali.com
Taramosalata, melitzanosalata, tzatziki salad — caviar mousse, grilled eggplant puree, and cucumber with
yogurt and dill, pita bread
Oktapodi sharas — charcoal-grilled, red-wine-marinated Octopus
paidakia thedrolivano — charcoal grilled Lamb chops, roast potatoes, fresh rosemary, green beans
mousakas — casserole dish with layers of eggplant, ground lamb, beĢchamel sauce
walnut cake, orange cake, Greek cookie