Count on Kouzina - NYC

This pretty, clean-cut, no-nonsense Greek establishment sits nestled on 70^th and 2^nd of the UES. Pop in if you’re up for chatting over good Greek wine, and/or your hypertension (and your doctor) clamor for a Mediterranean meal.

As for the meal, the Octopodi appetizer was a tasty starter…Is there really anything objectionable about a cephalopod world-cup psychic, chopped into a tasty appetite-whetter? Am I really the only person who wanted to eat Paul more than I cared what he predicted?

The Lavraki was a sticking point for me. The way it was presented conjured the image of the large chef who tormented poor Sebastian from the Little Mermaid. You know…

Les poissons, les poissons,

How I love les poissons,

First I cut off their heads
Then I pull out their bones…

Growing up as a Chinese-American and later gallivanting through Italy, France, NYC, and Boston, I’ve had my fair share of deboned whole fish. Unfortunately, this very literal presentation of fish-on-a-plate made it obvious what had happened to the fish right before it hit the table. The fish was fresh, but I expect a lot more creativity and unique flavor from the Upper East Side.

The staff politely informed us that the Arni Youvetsi was in the oven and would take some time to cook, but lamb is always worth the wait, and this was no exception. I’m not a huge fan of tomato sauce, but this time the sauce complemented the lamb. Loved the smooth texture added by the orzo. One humble suggestion: after deboning the fish, reheat it so that my friend who patiently waited for my lamb doesn’t feel like you made her fish wait for my lamb too.

There’s really nothing bad I can say about Kouzina. The one word that accurately describes it is RELIABLE. The food is reliably good, and it’s reliably well-prepared with all the reliable polish of the Greeks. That being said, there’s also nothing that makes this place stand out. However, I did enjoy swallowing the food (see my criteria for earning 3 stars), but my pleasure wasn’t quite 4-star quality. However, don’t let the unremarkable-ness of Kouzina keep you away on a regular night. There are better places to go on the UES, but Kouzina is still reliably good.

My Cup Runneth Over at Alice’s Tea Cup Chapter III – NYC

Where in this city of sky-high prices and matching skyscrapers can you buy happiness for a measly $10?

A pot of tea and two of Alice’s famous scones (get pumpkin and strawberry chocolate) is the perfect study aid and did I mention that last time I was there the staff were supportive of me studying there for 2 hours? I asked the host what the time limit was (1.5 hours) but he made it clear that they wouldn’t kick me out unless they were full.

My best memory here was when, after a long cold NYC winter, my friend Alex and I decided to bring some sunshine to the upper east side the first day it hit 70 degrees. We decided to physically BE the sunshine by wearing sundresses. Though honestly, if you know my friend Alex, her company alone is all the sunshine you could possibly need.

My other fave:

The cumin carrots sandwich made even me, a girl who doesn’t like carrots, want to smack my lips and say “Ehhhh….what’s up doc?”

Side note: My life’s goal if I land a residency in a Manhattan hospital is to buy these sandwiches for my group, and recite Bugs Bunny’s signature phrase after everyone has taken a bite. Those who laugh will be my new best friends. Speaking of Looney Tunes, did anyone else read on wikipedia that they’re doing new episodes again starting this May? Is anyone as excited as I am? If anyone as excited as I am but way too embarrassed to admit it?

Conclusion: While studying at Alice’s, indulge in sophisticated scones where each scone constitutes a moist but crumbly, just sweet enough but not too sweet to call itself a scone meal, hot but refreshing hint-o-mint Casablanca tea, and if you’re hungry a tea egg salad or roasted cumin carrots sandwich. So if you crave a pinky-curling study session or a gossip in summer dresses retreat, sit down at Alice’s – they’ll give you the time to savor every bite.