Timna

I'm going to preface this review by saying, if you haven't been to Timna bookmark it immediately and get yourself a reservation there stat. Now, if there ever was a hidden gem in NYC, Timna is it. This unbeknown, intimate and unbashful restaurant in the East Village is everything I've ever asked for. From service, to food, to decor, to smiles -- it's all in there. My friend and I came here Friday night for dinner, as soon as we entered the hostess came running over full of smiles and seated us immediately. I tend to order a lot of dishes and was quite happy when she sat me at a 4 seat table. I took a quick glance around and loved what I saw. The decor is modern, rustic, classy and truly authentic. Our waiter came over right away, offered us still or sparkling to start with and gave us a heads up on what's a must get on the menu. My friend happens to be a vegetarian and this is seriously the perfect menu for restrictions. They had plenty of options to try. We ordered the Kubaneh Bread, The Cauliflower, Ceviche Salad, Farro Salad, Fall Zuchinni Blossom, The Sicilian Fish and for dessert the Shoco Loco. We also ordered a bottle of Medallion Red Wine, and Blanc de blancs to pair with dessert. You can tell that Chef Nir takes great pride in every dish he creates. Each dish comes to the table with a gorgeous and well thought out presentation. It almost feels like you don't want to break the pattern. The Kubaneh bread is an absolute must get! It is bread baked in a flower pot and oh so good. Warm, fresh and so tasty served with crushed tomato, jalepeno salsa and yogurt, you'd only beg for more. Same goes to the Ceviche which on Friday was an Arctic Char --- I cannot even tell you how incredible it was. Well, we practically wiped our plates clean so that answers that. The Sicilian fish was a striped bass cooked to pure perfection, soft as butter with amazing black couscous risotto and roasted veggies. The Cauliflower, served with puffed quinoa, pickled sumac onions and dried grapes is every unimaginable flavor you'd be served in paradise. I am super greatful to the waiter for suggesting the wine after I told him what I preffered. It paired so perfectly with everything we ordered. The medallion is a full bodied and a little spiced dry red wine! It's everything I need to be a happy camper. Honestly, if I were able to eat the entire menu in one sitting I would do it in a heartbeat. There is not a single dish that was less than 100%. Ah! Dessert. I'm one of those that would get dessert as an appetizer if people wouldn't look at me weirdly but alas, it has yet to become mainstream. The Shoco Loco is this chocolate souffle baked in a little flower pot (this flower pot idea is my new love) served with caramelized banana, tonka ice cream, chinese pecans & popcorn shake! This is what you must order for dessert or else it was all for nothing. I'll end this review by saying, if you haven't bookmarked it after all that you've read here, you will never understand good food. Go!