EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH @ Kellari (greek) Tavern

Website: http://kellari.us/

Location:

19 west 44th street

(between 5th & 6th Avenue)

Phone: 212-221-0144

It was a gorgeous Easter Sunday.

Lissy, Steve, and myself had reservations for Kellari, surprisingly, a restaurant I never heard of. So it was sure to be another interesting foodie adventure for me! The company is more important than the food, however, our 5 senses are enhanced by a variety of smells, tastes, textures, etc...which ENHANCE the experience & make it that much more memorable.

Kellari has Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner menus as well as "daily specials".

$PRICE$ range is moderate to expensive- a couple should EXPECT to pay at least $100 for 3 courses. The plates are family style so those with children should share.

FOOD: (There will be pix posted once I figure out how to do that here). Greek/Mediterranean. Mainly seafood - FRESH FISH. Raw oysters/clams. Lamb & Steak also available. Along with various sides such as Spinach, Broccoli Rabe, Fresh greens and Kellari fries. Sorbets (Passion Fruit, Mango, Coconut* Raspberry) are HIGHLY recommended to cap off an amazing dining experience.

EXPERIENCE: Hostess was sweet. She was organized & warm. Took our coats right away. The lighting was soft. We sat in a cozy corner. Across from us was an assortment of "fresh" fish, whole- along with fresh veggies like an OPEN market in Greece- there was an authentic feel to the experience.

The waiters & waitresses were knowledgeable & efficient. We ordered a $45 Greek "rose" *Prasini* recommended by the manager. It's not listed on the menu. Its not an easy task to order a "wine" that everyone likes since each pallet is UNIQUE - however, the 3 of us unanimously agreed it was EXCELLENT.

We almost ordered another bottle but none of us are heavy drinkers - it was just perfect for us "light weights". Plus, Steve had given up ALL alcohol for 40 days (lent) so this was his FIRST drink in weeks. IMPRESSIVE.

WHAT WE ORDERED:

Appetizers:

I. Spanakopita: phyllo pies filled with spinach/ leeks/feta cheese: perfect for 3, delicate crust, warm, savory filling.

II. GREEK SALAD: Feta/olives/tomatoes/onions - olive oil dressing: fresh & tomatoes were *perfect* in season.

III. Saginaki: Flaming Graviera Cheese - authentic Greek dish. Litterally on FIRE

MAIN: I. Lamb & potatoes - tend, juicy, and lean

II. Lavraki: "Greek Pride" (imported) Mediterranean Bass - Divine, melts in your mouth like butter, not very fishy, more meaty yet lean, topped with WHOLE caper berries - marinated in olive oil & lemon.

III. Seafood Yiovetsi: Orzo with Scallops, mussels, clams, and shrimp (baked in tomato sauce base). Gorgeous color. Made to order. Divine.

Desert: Assortment of 4 sorbets - *Coconut* was out of this world - tasted like ice cream but much healthier - the best word to describe this: HEAVEN. Lissy ordered a dark chocolate cake shaped like a Pyramid topped off with a wafer - was at least 2 feet tall. The chocolate was "rich" - 3 of us couldn't even finish it - perfect for a party of 4 - if there is still enough belly room!!

RANDOM FACT: A guy I went to High School with is a manager there - his sister Irene & I always had lunch together. He was in my English class. This is NOT going to affect my opinion of the restaurant. Although, seeing a familiar - friendly face helps make the experience more meaningful.

All in all. I say, Kellari is top-notch!
If you have a hankering for a QUALITY Mediterranean EXPERIENCE in the HEART of MID-Town Manhattan - make a reservation for Kellari Tavern ASAP.