Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
SADLY, CAFE NADERY IS NOW CLOSED.
Spring seems to have just about arrived, but the nights are still chilly and there is still plenty of room for soups, stews, and hearty gutbombs. Even if it was warm out, the comforting food at Cafe Nadery would be desirable, unique, and delicious.
This is one of the few Iranian restaurants in the city and is a very versatile little spot. In addition to a serious dining destination, it moonlights as a coffee shop, bar, performance space, and unofficial community center. Many Iranians sat among the local NYU locals. You could get a light meal of dips and salads or splurge on a full-on entree. Whatever you get, it’ll be infused with Iranian spices and flavor.
We were impressed with just about everything we tasted, including an interesting take on kale salad (with apples, walnuts, pecorino and a unique lime-cumin vinaigrette) and a phenomenal beet burger with cheddar and a tamarind date chutney, that might be the best veggie burger in the entire city.
But with the Ash Resteh, we tasted flavors we had never had before. Traditionally eaten on the winer solistice, it was the perfect antidote to this winter’s brutal shenanigans. The hearty stew is comprised of chickpeas and kidney beans mixed with caramelized onions, spinach, and lots of fragrant herbs – mint, dill, and cilantro. Soft noodles float throughout the dark gumbo-like soup and a dollop of kashk (yogurt-like product of soured milk) sits on top. The flavors are rich, earthy, and pungent with a nice bright tang from the kashk.
While I’m eager for the weather to stay consistently warm, I’m not quite ready to give up my warming, winter food.
| CAFE NADERY |
| 16 West 8th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenue), Greenwich Village (212) 260-5407 |
| cafenadery.com |
