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Kefi Finally Reopens On UWS
By
John Del Signore
Published Dec 3, 2013
Modified Dec 4, 2013
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By
John Del Signore
Published Dec 3, 2013
Modified Dec 4, 2013
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Break out the Upper West Side Drudge Siren: News comes tonight that the exceptional yet approachable Greek restaurant Kefi has finally reopened on Columbus Avenue, after ten months in the dark. You'll recall that Kefi closed in February after a water main break flooded the bi-level establishment—that spot of bad fortune followed a closure by the Health Department several months prior. But all that's ancient Greek history, according to Kefi's spokesperson:
Last night, Michael Psilakis and partner Donatella Arpaia re-opened the doors of Kefi, the rustic, Greek gem on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Kefi—forced to close in February after a water main break flooded the restaurant—has been a beloved destination, feeding throngs of loyal fans affordable Greek fare since December 2008. The idea of kefi, which loosely translates to a feeling of joy or enthusiasm, is one deeply tied to the cultural ethos of Greece. It is the driving force behind this warm and welcoming outpost where friends and families gather to enjoy authentic cuisine and create lasting memories.
The renovations give the restaurant a more contemporary feel, while retaining the convivial atmosphere that the neighborhood so adored. An expanded bar in the front room now seats 15 and the newly configured 30-seat lounge is reserved exclusively for walk-in diners. Four televisions and new lantern-like fixtures light up the bar area, which serves Greek wine and sangria on tap. A Happy Hour menu of beer, cocktails and meze specials is available daily in the bar from 3:00pm-6:30pm. The modernized, 90-seat dining room features light blue leather banquettes, Greek columns lining the walls and a blue, white and gray mosaic throughout.
The menu, we're told, is basically the same with a few new additions, like an entree of Sheep’s Milk Dumplings with tomato, pine nuts and spicy lamb sausage and Grilled Branzino with potato, olives and tomato remain. 505 Columbus Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets // Open for lunch during the week from 12pm-3pm, brunch on weekends from 11am-3pm and dinner daily, Sunday through Thursday from 3pm-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 3pm-11pm. // For reservations call 212-873-0200.
Tagged
donatella arpaia
kefi
michael psilakis
Upper West Side
original
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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