kefi: more room for that lamb shank

March 26th, 2009 | food, manhattan

kefi-lightskefi-fingerling-potato-appetizer1

of course it was shear coincidence that frank bruni decided to write about kefi the day before I set foot in it.  l and i had tried the original incarnation of michael psilakis and donatella arpaia’s greek sensation on west 79th street and had loved it despite the indeterminable wait for a table in a crowded corridor. this time there was definitely more room but the bustle and commotion felt the same. but i disagree with bruni’s luke-warm remarks; the food was delicious and incredibly good value – i was amazed that dinner for two came in under $60 including wine. my friend and i shared a warm fingerling potato appetizer with haricot verts, feta and olives. i was very tempted by the lamb shank but chose the flat pasta, pulled braised rabbit and graviera cheese which was tasty too, while my friend adored the shrimp, orzo, spinach, tomato and feta dish. if you’re a die-hard meat eater with a penchant for rich sauces, feta and orzo this place is heaven. we did opt for one of bruni’s recommended desserts, the galaktobouriko with orange spoon fruit – a sort of greek custard baked in filo which was just right – not too sickeningly sweet like the usual offerings. my friend nabbed a take-out menu on the way out as her lucky boyfriend lives just up the road. hmmmm wonder if they’ll deliver to park slope.  kefi, 505 columbus avenue near 84th street, manhattan, .  post by j.

food, greek, manhattan, upper west side , ,
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