A Taste of Istanbul in Midtown East
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My first food challenge in NYC: Try all the meze plates at Taksim. Barely two weeks into the summer, I’m well on my way to accomplishing this goal. My favorite meze so far is the Shepherd salad, a tantalizing mix of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, parsley, and green peppers with lemon juice and olive oil. Other favorites include the tabuli, elephant beans, stuffed vine leaves, and hummus. The lamb adana is worth trying as well, as it illustrates how delicious a simple dish can be.
Taksim is perfect for takeout, a quick bite, or a relaxed first date. Although the menu is basic and the presentation is fairly unoriginal, Taksim is a great place to satisfy cravings for Turkish fare. The staff is friendly and efficient, which helps to create an enjoyable dining experience. Sultry music and dark tiled walls contribute to Taksim’s authenticity and no frills approach to Mediterranean food.
No word on the falafels yet, but there’s always lunch tomorrow.
Taksim
1030 2nd Ave., (54th & 2nd)
(212) 421-3004
Daily: 12pm-11:30pm
Delivery: 12pm-10:30pm
Prices: Appetizers $6-8, Sandwiches $5.50-9.50, Main $15-19, Dessert $5.50
