Graffiti

11/06/09

Graffiti experience

by Ben Albert

It was a spontaneous decision to visit Graffiti in East Village. We were in the neighborhood and had not made any bookings so we decided to take our chances with this small but cozy place. The restaurant was bustling with people and we had to wait a good 20 mins before we were led to those darling little tables. Since we were a party of 4 we got the corner table. One look at the interiors and I knew that the owner had an impeccable taste and had hired the right designer to get the job done. I was surprised to know that Chef Mehta, who is also the owner, had designed the whole place himself! We asked the staff to pass on our compliments to him. We settled quickly to realize that the place has some really good wine. The portions served are just right and I enjoyed it because I hate to eat a heavy dinner. I ordered for a Watermelon Feta Salad, Mint Sorbet. The watermelon and mint sorbet gave it a cool feel and the feta brought in the saltiness. The staff did tell me that they add something for tartness but by the time they reached that part of the description I had started digging into it. The food looked and tasted heavenly! Chef Mehta has given a thought to every aspect of the “Graffiti experience”. I missed out on tasting the Graffiti Burgers, which I read later are the specialty, so I will be back at Graffiti pretty soon. Though I will make sure to book a table this time since I know that Chef Mehta is celebrity chef now! I saw him cook on the Next Iron Chef on Food Network the other day. I would love to meet him! Hope I bump into him when I go there the next time.

10/29/09

Compelled to go back

by dpherson

Since a lot of you have thrown light on the restaurant’s interior and lack of space I am compelled to bring to your attention the uniquely, delicious food served there. In my life I follow one principle “Never eat an insignificant meal” and places like Graffiti make it possible for me to stick to it. I read the reviews and decided to go and visit the place. This was a year back and I have been hooked since then. The pork dumpling with the tomato-chilly sauce, the grapefruit confit and fried chickpea flour just leaves you wanting more. Not to mention the much praised braised pork buns and crab noodle rolls which I recommend very highly to all first timers. The whole restaurant and the food served are in such harmony that the place exudes warmth which, according to me, I find lacking in a lot of places. I feel his principle of “less is more” reflects in all the preparations. The portions are just right and stress is given on the flavors, taste and preparations.

Whenever I see Chef Mehta cooking on The Next Iron Chef I cannot help wondering if he is going to put this preparation on the menu. I just hope he does because he can count on me to come and taste it.

Whenever I see Chef Mehta cooking on The Next Iron Chef I cannot help wondering if he is going to put this preparation on the menu. I just hope he does because he can count on me to come and taste it.

10/20/09

Graffiti review: A “must go” place

by Aalbert Ben

I just saw the third episode of the Next Iron Chef and I felt that I had to write a review about Graffiti and the experience I had there. Every time I watch Chef Jehangir Mehta on the Next Iron Chef I remind myself to write a review but something always comes up. Anyway, here I am…

It’s a great place. Probably not good enough for crotchety old men and snobs (owing to its size) but then what place is? If they gave it a chance and tasted the food I’m quite sure even they would mellow down.

The food at Graffiti is deliciously different. It’s no wonder considering Chef Jehangir Mehta’s penchant for pushing the envelope as evident by his performance on the show (offering Jeffery Steingarten ‘take out’ calls for some serious guts). I really hope he expands his menu to include some of the new things he’s coming up with on the show.

• Pros: Great atmosphere, amazing food
• Cons: Slightly crowded if you are not used to NY space