302 Bleecker Street (corner of 7th Avenue South) 212-727-7463. www.nisinyc.com
Greek. Opa! I always wanted to say that (and the evening I spent at Nisi gave me plenty of inspiration). The staff is warm, friendly and clearly hail from Greece (shout out to Demetrios who could not have been kinder or more enthusiastic). The setting is arrestingly Aegean, with seating the color of the sea. One wall adorned with plates by the dozens (probably not intended for throwing, but a person can dream). Then there is the food. Authentic and generous, an absolute gift from the gods. My journey began with a special – shrimp complete with chili lime sauce and pommes frites. So incredibly flavorful, I could not get enough. I also indulged in the grilled haloumi cheese (roasted tomatoes, basil, served with pita bread). If you’re feeling meatcentric, find your way to kopsidia. It’s a cornucopia of mixed grilled lamb chops, lamb sliders, lamb kebab, meatballs, chicken chops, Greek fries, pita bread and tzatziki. Although it serves two, there will be plenty to go home. But don’t sail off without dessert. I can swear by the molten chocolate with vanilla ice cream. And if I knew how, I’d do it in Greek.