NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: PYLOS

The Greek restaurant Pylos in the East Village is spectacular. I had dinner there last week and fell in love with the place. It's a charming, rustic spot to dine in, and the food is excellent. I highly recommend it!

Saganaki ($10), three Greek cheeses melted in a clay pot, was an outstanding appetizer. A little sprinkle of lemon, and my dining companion and I could not stop consuming this dish. Yes, please. The complimentary pita brought to our table was top notch as well.

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Grilled marinated octopus ($14), with a balsamic reduction sauce and capers, was a fine rendition of this Greek classic. It didn't blow me away, but it was satisfying nonetheless.

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Cretan-honey braised lamb shank ($21) served with giant bean and roasted garlic puree and roasted tomato was fabulous! The fall off the bone meat was tender and succulent. Many thanks for this shank.

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Moussaka ($17), layers of lightly sautéed eggplant, zucchini, and potato baked in a clay dish with aromatic ground meat sauce and béchamel, was the best I've had. A true delight to eat. This Greek comfort food surely comforted me. Order one and see why. Delectable!

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You'd be smart to end your meal with Christos' towering galaktobourekakia ($6), buttery phyllo triangles filled with Greek custard and drizzled with cinnamon and Greek mountain honey. I might not be able to pronounce this dessert correctly, or say it five times fast, but I ate these babies in a heartbeat. They are amazing. It was like eating sex.

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So for a fantastic Greek night, drop by Pylos. It's much cheaper than flying to Greece, and I'm sure just as tasty. Zeus would approve.

Pylos
128 E. 7th St. (bet. A and 1st)
New York, NY 10009
212-473-6433

www.pylosrestaurant.com