tapas

Molyvos

After a long day of roaming in and out shops in Times Square, we all agreeded to dining at Greek joint called Molyvos. This typically busy restaurant was having a slow evening because of the fireworks for the Fourth of July! Our intentions were to grab a bite and head back to Time Square and towards the pier to see the renowed fireworks. Unfortunately we didn’t make it because we were enjoying such a great meal!

There was no gluten-free menu, but the waiter was well informed and double-checked everything with a superior. I started out by having a cured salmon tapas (bite-sized) followed by grilled apricots with haloumi cheese, which was shared by the family. The apricots were rather exotic, well at least that’s what I thought until I ordered my entrée. I decided to be adventurous and ordered an appetizer portion of grilled octopus! I do wish it was minced or at least cut up a little, but it wasn’t. I will spare you the details. However, the sucker was surprisingly delicious! And last but not least: dessert. I had an ice cream taster that consisted of two scoops of almond praline and one of honey vanilla. I would go back just for that almond praline ice cream!

I would strongly encourage you to dine at Molyvos if you are in NYC and particularly in Times Square. The restaurant is located in Midtown West so it’s not much of a hike from the bustling touristy areas. Please check it out!

Cheers!

Anika

Verdad

For a late bite on a Saturday night with friends, we stopped at Verdad, a European Latin restaurant on the mainline (of Philly). They have a tapas style menu as well as a tequila bar. The atmosphere was great, and our server was very friendly. The waiter was prompt to tell us the gluten-free options.

For a shared appetizer, we ordered the Strawberry Habenero Guacamole. Our waiter assured us that the chips served on the side were corn tortilla chips, but there might be cross contamination in the kitchen. Depending on how severe your intolerance to gluten is, you can make the decision whether or not to eat foods that are gluten-free, but are prepared in a facility that deals with ingredients containing gluten. I personally am okay with eating gluten-free foods made in a kitchen that has gluten. So, I enjoyed the unique flavors of the guacamole with the corn tortilla chips. This was no ordinary guacamole. It had finely cut pieces of strawberry and kiwi as well as habenero peppers. This was hands down the best guacamole I have had. As for the main course, I ordered the Bibb Salad. I ordered it by the recommendation of a friend, and boy did it live up to it! The salad had blue cheese, granny smith apples, spicy cashews, and was topped off with lavender vinaigrette. I would strongly recommend the Bibb Salad and guacamole to anyone dining at Verdad. I am excited to return to this restaurant and explore the rest of their menu!

Cheers,

Anika