Kashkaval’s Wine and Cheese
Kashkaval is a tiny restaurant across the street from my apartment. It has a fabulous wine list and focuses mainly on Greek and Mediterranean finger foods and sandwiches. This restaurant is true New York fabulousness. When you walk in there is a deli counter where you can order their delectable food to go including meats, cheeses, and delicious dips with pita bread. You can also buy coffee beans, teas, and other treats. If you keep walking past the deli counter there is a long bar and about ten tables. It is small enough to feel homey and when you are eating in the back you feel like you have been let in on a great secret.
Unfortunately for me, but lucky for Kashkaval, the secret about this place is out. Unless you go early (before 6:30) you are most likely going to have to wait for a table. The host is perfectly happy to bring you snacks and wine while you stand in line, though! The wines are reasonably priced and the food is perfect for a pre-theater snack. Usually we split a bottle of wine and order a small meat and cheese sampler and a small tapas sampler. The tapas sampler comes with pita bread and your choice of 5 things. We really enjoy the spicy walnut spread (flavorful but not spicy) and the artichoke dip. The meat and cheese plate comes with baugette and the sopressata dolce is always outstanding!
Despite the crowds, the very friendly staff won’t push you to finish your wine and get out. There used to be a friendly restaurant cat here too, but I haven’t seen him in almost a year, so he must be gone now and I miss the charm he added. You can sit and enjoy the ambiance and music as long as you want. As a side note, I have heard them turn parties with children down before because of the many open flames in the restaurant so don’t plan on bringing your kids here. But since I generally like to eat in kid-free places, this doesn’t bother me at all! Kashkaval is a cheap, unique spot that makes me happy to live where I do.
