Dear Margo: I Love You
By Julie Sagoskin
Dear Margo is indeed an appropriate beginning for a love letter to the most mouthwatering East Mediterranean fare in Manhattan. A cozy vibe and complimentary dessert for every diner at this Upper East Side spot makes this the perfect venue for any night out. Each dish is remarkably delicious and almost seems to be a throwback, with a perfect rating for each and every element – the space is indeed Instagram worthy, but the food and service is just as enviable.
Restauranteur Dean Pashalis has successfully and scrumptiously brought his vision of authentic flavors of the Levant to life. The star of this savory show is their homemade Laffa bread and shareable spreads, including Spicy Feta, Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Beets and Cucumber Yogurt. Mezze, skewers, and sandwiches also all highlight the region’s passed down recipes and carefully sourced ingredients. Some of our favorite healthy and flavorful starter plates include the Spinach & Feta Cigars, filled with spinach, leek, feta, garlic, yogurt, and crushed tomato, the Grilled Halloumi, made of sheep milk halloumi, cherry tomato jam, fennel & cucumber salad, and the Charred Eggplant, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with pomegranate, pistachio, and feta yogurt. Their selection of vibrant salads, from the Quoina Bowl to classic Aegean Salad, include a range of ingredients meant to showcase the area, including fresh kalamata olives, za’atar croutons, sumac, and chickpeas.
Enjoy a girl’s night out or relaxed date at the cozy chic space – which offers an all-day menu – complete with whitewashed brick walls, an intimate bar area, and eclectic artwork, with mouthwatering food that matches, including a Chicken Schnitzel sandwich on a Challah Bun from Breads Bakery, a Ribeye Shawarma served on their signature laffa bread, plus a Salmon Burger and Falafel. The schnitzel and shawarma can also be served as entrees. For an authentic Mediterranean skewer, the Filet Mignon Skewer and 1000 Layer Arayes made of beef and Colorado lamb were must-trys. Both were “melt in your mouth” perfection with expertly seasoned flavoring. Their simply grilled Butterflied Branzino and Chicken Paillard are also healthy options showcasing local preparation. The extensive wine list is a United Nations of selections, with varieties from Greece, Israel, Italy, France, Spain, Argentina, and California, while the tasty mocktails are also not to be missed.
Before your culinary journey comes to a tasty conclusion, you and your party will each receive a delightful traditional ice cream dessert so that you can end your letter with “I love you.”
dearmargo.com
