| Review - Kashkaval |
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| Written by Lauren Weinstein |
 Just a few short steps from the madness of Times Square, is an oasis that can successfully melt away the stresses that Midtown Manhattan produces. Kashkaval, a small Mediterranean wine bar and cheese market has a European charm that translates into a well-rounded meal, full of delicious dips, unique spreads, a wide array of cheeses, and fragrant wines. When you enter Kashkaval, your mind immediately travels to the old country of Italy , off the Amalfi Coast . The front of the restaurant is like a traditional Italian market, with endless amounts of gourmet meats and cheeses on display. Kashkaval has an extremely welcoming and neighborhood feel, and is completely opposite of most chaotic Manhattan storefront markets. People of all ages wait for a table, while conversing at the intimate and dimly lit wine bar. The music is played very softly, which allows you to fully engage in conversations without having to scream over background noise. Long wooden tables and excellent lighting encompass the rustic back dining room, which can seat small groups and about two or three larger parties. Since the dinning space is rather small, time and patience is necessary to enjoy a meal at Kashaval. Think the Mediterranean minute, not the New York minute. The most popular item and trademark of this restaurant is the sampler platter. The platter gives the costumer a choice of six of Kashkaval’s specialty dips, including hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, taboule, roasted brussel sprouts, guacamole, roasted red pepper spread, artichoke dip, olive and lentil tapenades and other traditional spreads. Almost every option is flawless, extremely fresh, and served with warm whole-wheat pita bread. You can taste every ingredient in these dips, and it is obvious that a solid amount of TLC was placed in each recipe. A small warning- the tzatziki is slightly tangier than normal, and had mixed reviews at my table. Do not be too alarmed, this was the only slightly negative remark made during this dining experience. For those who feel like immersing themselves in cheese and some more cheese, there is the Cheese Fondue option. Served in a cast iron pot with a French baguette, the options include Classic Swiss (made with a blend of Emmenthalter & Gruyere cheeses), Cheddar and Ale (medium sharp cheddar blended with beer), Kashkaval (made with Kashkaval and extra virgin olive oil) and Gorgonzola (prepared with pungent blue cheese). You can choose to dip with vegetables or various meats (Kielbasa, Chistorra, and Chorizo) into the cauldron of dairy. Rounding out the menu are various house specialties including Turkey Meatballs, Spinach and Feta Borek (spinach and feta cheese rolled in phyllo dough), and Chicken Caponata (chicken breast roasted with eggplants, onions, and tomatoes served with mushroom bulgur or orzo). Other options include savory Panini’s and hearty soups. If you are looking for a retreat from the fact paced and noisy Manhattan dinning experience, this is truly a sanctuary for the body and the palette. Take a trip to the Almafi coast at Kashkaval and let the Mediterranean culture engulf you as the noises of NYC traffic fade away. Kashkaval 856 9th Avenue Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
