A closer look at Balkanika

At the time of this writing, Balkanika is virtually nonexistent in cyberspace (save for this blog post).  It opened the Friday of Memorial Weekend and I visited for the first time just a few days ago.  The market area at the entrance of the restaurant has fresh fruit and vegetables, whole coffee beans, crackers and other groceries plus a cold food bar.  The restaurant begins further in, serving a collection of what I can only describe as "Mediterranean" food.  Drinks include hot or iced coffee, wine, and beer. 

The Village Voice and the listing on Chow say it is by the same owner as Kashkaval, which isn't hard to believe since Kashkaval is also a market/restaurant hybrid, albeit with a focus on wine and cheese.  I had a pasticio, described as a Greek lasagna, and a friend ordered chicken pilav with rice.  I'm not a food critic but I will say, I liked! And I will be back!

A big welcome to you, and you, and you (and me!)

In this inaugural post, I want to extend my warmest welcome to Balkanika, Zigolini's and Totto Ramen.  And to me!

Balkanika: A Mediterranean market/restaurant that opened the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.  I really like the selection of whole coffee beans up front (Sumatra, Ethiopia, Colombia!) and the Greek lasagna I had for dinner yesterday.

Balkanika is on 9th Ave between 47th and 48th.  I haven't found any listings with more information, so I will keep enjoying it while it's still a genuine neighborhood spot.

Zigolini's Pizza Bar: Pizza + alchie + outdoors = win.  Opened the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, but I haven't tried it yet.  If you live/work downtown, you might know them from the FiDi Zigolini's.

675A 9th Ave.
Manhattan, NY 10036
(212) 333-3900
www.pizzabarnyc.com

Totto Ramen: Opened during the week. I kind of want to try it, but think I'll wait for the weather to cool off a tad (sorry).  It's just: June. In NYC. Bar facing kitchen. Open doors in lieu of AC. Sauna. I could be lured in with chilled soba, but I didn't see it on the menu.

366 W 52nd St.
Manhattan, NY 10019
(212) 582-0052
www.tottoramen.com







These are just a few of the new restaurants.  Brickyard opened less than a month ago (I think),  around 52nd and 9th.  I spotted a new Moroccan place on 10th too.  Haven't forgotten them!

I moved to this neighborhood almost exactly a year ago, and it's been great seeing so many new businesses arrive.  We've also said au revoir to Dousoeur de Paris, which was the charming-est Parisian pastry shop ever, and maybe ahead of its time for this neighborhood.  Will not forget you either!