February 14, 2020

Greek Chic Eats on the Upper West Side

Eléa is Greek Chic Eats! The restaurant is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at 217 West 85th Street. The menu is traditional and the execution of the food is modern and fresh. The ambiance is calm and welcoming and a perfect place to enjoy a Sunday brunch with my husband.

Greek Brunch

Sunday Brunch menus tend to be repetitive and without imagination. I can make eggs and french toast any day so I generally I am not attracted to a typical brunch menu. A buffet will have a variety of food and and I have enjoyed my share of excellent venues. I am appreciative of a restaurant that will offer a regular lunch menu as an alternative to brunch dishes. Eléa offers a traditional eggs benedict and a Greek omelet on the brunch menu. The other dishes are a step up from the usual brunch fare. I would have loved to have tried the Short Rib Hash & Eggs or Greek Style Shakshuka, but there was another interesting prix fixe menu available for Restaurant Week. (1/20/20-2/9/20)

Prix fixe

The prix fixe menu of $26 for two courses had plenty of variety. From that menu we ordered Salmon Tartare paired with Lavraki (Mediterranean Sea Bass) and Grilled Octopus paired with Grilled Loch Duart Salmon. A la carte prices respectively are $16, $19, $19 and $25 for a total of $79 so the prix fixe total of $52 was a great deal.

The appetizers were outstanding. The salmon tartare was fresh and the serving size was adequate for two to share. Small dollops of yogurt and cucumber sauce added the perfect accent flavor. Citrus fern garnish was a refreshing replacement for the usual dill leaves. The grilled octopus was firm in texture and also large enough for two share. Chickpea hummus and cinnamon tomato raisin compote rounded out the dish. The compote was a delightful surprise and unusual to how octopus tends to be traditionally served.

In addition to the prix fixe appetizers, we ordered Tyrokafteri, a dip made from florina peppers, roasted garlic and feta. It was topped with olive oil and diced sun dried tomatoes and served with triangles of pita bread. It was delicious and I wiped the plate clean with the bread.

The entrees were exceptional. The pan seared skin of the Lavraki was crispy and the flesh tender. Lemon and herb infused olive oil enhanced the flavor. Sautéed Swiss char added the classic bitter taste of greens synonymous with Greek food. The grilled salmon filet was uniform and tender. A salad of beets and lentils dressed with Greek yogurt and dill was a perfect accompaniment.

Drinks

Hydration included New York tap water, a Bloody Mary and a $20 pitcher of White Sangria. New York is famous for the taste of its tap water and I see no reason to order bottled still or sparkling water. Sangria is a nice alternative to ordering a bottle of wine, especially as the price of a bottle can impact your bill. I enjoyed the Sangria despite that it was a bit heavy on pineapple juice and soda and light on the wine. However, it was refreshing and I didn’t leave the establishment with a wobble to my walk.

Ambiance

The restaurant has ample seating. We sat upstairs which is definitely the way to go during the day. The room is open, bright and airy with individual tables as well as tables with bench seating. Ample light comes through the large windows that line the street. A small rectangular bar near the entrance of the restaurant has a generous counter with seating for diners who enjoy that experience. The downstairs seating where the wine cellar is located has communal and individual tables and is cozy and dimly lit. Evening dining upstairs or downstairs shares the intimate atmosphere of low light and candles.

The Greek chic eats decor is soft and soothing with clean lines and neutral tones. Wood is the unifying decor theme from the floors to the ceiling. The high ceilings are covered with aged wood and crossbeams. Woven grass placemats work well with the white china plates and napkins and white washed wood tables. Complimentary woven textured fabric covers the bench seating. Large lights with woven basket shades hang from the ceiling.

A display of bottles of olive oil lines the top rack of the bar. The restaurant serves its own brand which is available for sale at $20 a bottle. Had I not inquired, I wouldn’t have known about it. I’m a sucker for excellent quality OO and requested a taste. Unfortunately, the flavor underwhelmed me. It did not have any depth of flavor, aroma, or bite.

Service

Service was unobtrusive and attentive. There was plenty of staff to meet every need. I noted that female waiters took the orders and male waiters delivered the food.

Restroom

The restroom is large and clean. I appreciate a place to hang my purse and other belongings. The only thing lacking was paper seat covers which provide sanitary protection.