Savor the hearty taste of kakavia, or Greek fisherman’s soup

July 12, 2018

Kakavia is a delicious fish soup that is perfect for the summertime. The most ancient of Greek fish soups, kakavia is also known as “Greek fisherman’s soup” because it was usually something that Greek fishermen would quickly throw together right on their boats.

Similar to the French bouillabaisse, kakavia is prepared with a flexible variety of fish. It is a very liberal recipe, with no set rules or ingredients. A fisherman would typically use the smallest fish from his catch of the day — or whatever was left over after he sold the bulk of his catch — to prepare kakavia for himself at the end of a long and tiring day.

As a result, different recipes for kakavia will vary wildly. You can add whatever you want to the soup — small fish like rainbow wrasse and saddled sea-bream, fillets of larger white fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, and so on. People will often visit local fish markets in Greece and buy any of the small fish that were caught by accident in the fisherman’s net at extraordinarily low prices. While the fish are too small to properly eat, they would be able to lend rich flavors to the kakavia broth.

Kakavia is a simple and tasty soup that only consists of three basic components. The base consists of a variety of vegetables, potatoes, and herbs thrown together in a soup. The second component is a whole fish that is poached in the broth, lending its seafood flavors to the stock. And the third component is the medley of assorted small fish and seafood that is added at the end of the cooking process — the actual “meat” of the soup. After all of these different kinds of fish and vegetables are added, all you need is a little seasoning and the kakavia is ready to eat.

Despite its simplicity, kakavia is a hearty fish soup that will give you a real taste of the sea. It also pairs exceptionally well with wines — according to the New York Times, kakavia goes very well with clean-cut and acidic wines that have hints of melon and tropical fruit, such as rieslings.

At Nerai, our kakavia is made with Mediterranean stone bass poached in fish stock and carrot, potato, pearl onion, and potato puree. The dish is flavored with fennel confit in grapeseed oil, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, garlic, and thyme. And the fish broth itself is made with corvina bones, mirepoix, saffron, and black pepper.

Make a reservation at Nerai today to try our delicious kakavia.

in Greek Islands

Uncover the mystery behind the famous shipwreck of Zakynthos

July 10, 2018

Off the western coast of Greece is a stunning island named Zakynthos. The third largest island in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos was once nicknamed “the flower of the Levant” by the Venetians who ruled the island from 1484 to 1797. And it’s easy to see why — the island is incredibly lush and fertile, and it is home to over 7,000 species of flowers.

Zakynthos boasts an incredibly diverse landscape, from fertile valleys to sandy beaches to rugged cliffs. Its most famous natural feature is Navagio or Shipwreck Beach, which many consider the most iconic beach in Greece. Some travel guides even say that Shipwreck Beach is the most photographed destination in Greece, ahead of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Shipwreck Beach, also known as Smuggler’s Cove, features vivid turquoise water surrounded by towering white cliffs, giving the beach a secluded and isolated feel. Nestled deep within the exposed cove are the remnants of an abandoned boat rusting on the soft white sand.

The story behind the famous shipwreck is that the boat, the MV Panayiotis, was a smuggler ship in the 1980s that was carrying illegal contraband — cigarettes, alcohol, and even humans. Rumor has it that the ship was cornered into the cove when it was pursued by the Greek Navy.

The real story, however, might be less thrilling. According to the captain of the ship, Captain Charalambos Kompothekras-Kotsoros, his ship was not carrying any illegal goods. The ship washed ashore in on October 2, 1980 due to poor weather conditions and mechanical failures. Once the ship landed on the beach, thieves stole from his shipment.

After prosecuting the people responsible for stealing his possessions, the captain finally returned to the beach to remove his vessel. However, he was so astounded by the majestic sight of his rusting ship against the dramatic cliffs and bright blue waters that he decided to simply leave it there.

Nowadays, Shipwreck Beach is an immensely popular tourist attraction who flock to the beach by boat to take photos of the decaying shipwreck, splash around in the unreal aquamarine water, and sunbathe on the pristine white sand.

While Shipwreck Cove is the most famous beach on the island, and arguably in all of Greece, Zakynthos contains dozens of other beautiful beaches all along its coast, including Gerakas, Kalamaki, and Laganas. Zakynthos is also home to a marine park where sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand, as well as a number of museums, castles, and historic churches.

in Greek Food

Treat yourself to moussaka, the classic Greek comfort food

July 6, 2018

Moussaka is the classic Greek comfort food — a hearty, creamy, and comforting casserole that is served in almost every tavern in Greece and prepared in nearly every Greek household for special occasions and family meals.

Although variants of this dish can be found in the Middle Eastern countries, moussaka in Greece is usually prepared with luscious layers of ground meat stacked on top of layers of eggplant or potato, and served hot. The dish is usually topped with a creamy white sauce.

However, like most comfort foods around the world, moussaka is prepared slightly differently in every household. Some people prepare moussaka with potatoes, eggplant, and beef; others may use lamb, eggplant, and tomatoes. No matter what specific ingredients are used, moussaka is a popular dish that is beloved by Greek people around the world.

At Nerai, our moussaka is a twist on a beloved classic. Our moussaka is made with duck legs braised in cinnamon, thyme, bay leaf, and garlic until tender, and then shredded and mixed with chopped shallots, parsley, and chives.

The shredded duck is then layered with thin slices of potato and eggplant, topped with braising liquid and cream and piave cream, and baked for three hours.

Our moussaka is served alongside a duck breast that has been roasted to medium rare. As a finishing touch to the dish, we add beluga lentils, chanterelle mushrooms, fig jus, and a potato espuma.

Experience this hearty Greek comfort food for yourself at Nerai. Make a reservation today.

in Greek Islands

Escape to the secluded beaches of Thassos

July 5, 2018

If you’re looking for a quiet island getaway, then look no further than Thassos.

The ultimate hidden gem, this beautiful Greek island is not on the radar of most travelers. As a result, the beautiful beaches of Thassos are usually devoid of the large and raucous crowds of tourists that mar the splendor of some of the other Greek islands.

As the most northerly of the Greek islands, Thassos lies about eight miles away from the Macedonian coast in the northeast region of mainland Greece. Dubbed the “Emerald Isle” of Greece, Thassos is an incredibly green and lush destination. It boasts a near-perfect climate year-round, with hot summers and cool winters.

Thassos contains extensive pine forests and heavily wooded valleys and mountain that visitors can hike and get lost in. Trekking paths depart from traditional villages in the mountainsides to abandoned castle ruins, picturesque mountaintops, and hidden caves. The Ancient Agora above Limenas and the Monastery of Archangel Michael are two top sightseeing locations in Thassos that offer stunning views of the Aegean sea.

For people who are feeling less adventurous, the island has plenty to offer. Sandy beaches can be found all around the coast of this island, making Thassos the perfect place for lazy days spent lounging by the beach.

While there are plenty of organized beaches that feature lounge chairs and water sports, there also many secret beaches where you can explore hidden coves and have the entire place to yourself for a day. And there is no better way to end a relaxing day at the beach than with a refreshing meal of traditional Greek food at one of the many seaside restaurants in Thassos.

Plan your next vacation to this gorgeous and undiscovered destination in Greece. And even if you must spend your summer in New York, you can still experience authentic Greek culture and cuisine by dining at Nerai. Make a reservation today.

in Greek Food

Cool down this summer with a fresh Horiatiki salad

June 29, 2018

Greek salad is one of the most popular and well-known Greek dishes outside and inside of Greece. This fresh, flavor-packed, and deceptively simple dish is a staple on most Greek tables in the summer months. Crunching down on some olive-oil soaked cucumber and juicy ripe tomato is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.

And that was actually how many Greek farmers used to take their meals in the summertime. The Greek name for this salad — “horiatiki” — roughly translates to “village salad” or “peasant salad.” That’s because the salad’s essential ingredients are what farmers would take with them to the field as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. Greek farmers would bring along a chunk of feta, an entire cucumber, a ripe tomato, some onion and pepper, and a loaf of bread, and they would take bites directly out of of these ingredients as they took a break from working underneath the hot sun.

However, Greek salad is not actually part of the country’s long established traditional cuisine. The tomato — one of the key ingredients in the Greek salad — did not even become popular in Greece until the beginning of the 20th century. Therefore, despite its overwhelming popularity, Greek salad is actually a fairly recent innovation. It did not even exist until the mid-1960s.

Horiatiki was largely created out of Greece’s desire in the 1960s to be considered a real European power. Greek salad, therefore, was invented to showcase Greece’s strongest assets: the powerful herbs, the world-class cheese, the top-tier fruits and vegetables, and the highly flavorful olive oil.

Despite its popularity outside the country, the “Greek salad” that most Americans know and love is not actually the horiatiki that is served and eaten in Greece. While the Greek salad sold at American establishments usually contains lettuce, authentic horiatiki is a much simpler dish consisting solely of tomato, cucumber, onion, green pepper, olives, and feta cheese, dressed in olive oil and sprinkled with oregano.

This summer, indulge in some authentic Greek salad. At Nerai, we make our horiatiki with tomato, cucumber, onion, olives, rye croutons, fried capers, and feta. The salad is then dressed with oregano and ladolemono, a flavorful sauce made of lemon and olive oil, and served over tomato butter. It is a refreshing and delectable salad bursting with crisp and natural flavors, making it a perfect dish for the summertime.

But don’t just take our word for it — try our Greek salad for yourself! Make a reservation at Nerai today.

in Greek Islands

Experience the world-class nightlife of Mykonos

June 26, 2018

Mykonos: the name alone conjures up images of crisp white buildings trimmed with blue, beautiful beaches, and electrifying parties. From partying the night away, relaxing by the beach, and experiencing the rich history and culture, there is plenty for people to do on this glamorous and well-known Greek island, making it the ultimate holiday getaway.

As the most famous island in the Aegean and the most popular destination in Greece, Mykonos bewitches travelers with its simple elegance. Visitors can stroll down the narrow marble streets lined with boutique shops, stop for a bite at a stylish café or restaurant, and admire the way the purple bougainvillea flowers tumble down the whitewashed buildings.

There are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the island. One of the island’s most iconic features are its windmills. The Mykonos windmills are the first thing you see when you enter the island’s harbors. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, they once harnessed the power of the north wind to mill wheat.

Nowadays, however, they are no longer in use. They stand facing the sea and they are beautifully lit up at night. With their round shape and pristine white color, the windmills are one of the most commonly photographed attractions in Mykonos.

The primary reason for Mykonos’s enduring popularity, however, is its legendary nightlife. While there are certainly plenty of serene beaches for travelers to sunbathe and read a book, many of the beaches in Mykonos feature thumping music, wild parties, and crowds of people having a good time.

If you’re looking for a good time, it won’t be difficult to find. With beach bars that range from classy to more unrestrained, there is a party for everyone in Mykonos. And the parties simply don’t stop — the festivities start during the day and they carry on well into the night, often not ending until the sun rises. Many of the top DJs in the world perform at Mykonos, making the parties there world-class.

If you’re in New York this summer, experience some Mykonos-style nightlife at Nerai. Thursday evenings, starting at 6 p.m., DJ Sava plays fresh beats that will transport you from the bustling streets of New York to the beach parties of Mykonos. DJ Sava’s upbeat music, combined with Nerai’s delicious food and cocktails, are sure to have you feeling good.

in Greek Food

Indulge in grilled lavraki, a traditional Greek delicacy

June 19, 2018

The Mediterranean sea bass is a highly elusive and prized fish. Called “Lavraki” by Greeks, this beloved fish is indigenous to the shores of Greece.

The Lavraki figures prominently in Greek culture and cuisine. Ever since the ancient times, Greek fishermen set off every morning in small fishing boats on the Ionian and Aegean Seas in search of the Lavraki. The knowledge of how to catch this fish has been passed down among the coastal fishers for generations.

The Lavraki is prized for its mysteriousness. It is so notoriously difficult to capture the Lavraki that it has become a thing of legend. When Greek journalists find a fantastic story or score an exclusive scoop, they call it “Lavraki.”

Aside from its elusiveness, the Lavraki is also beloved for its distinct flavor. The Mediterranean sea bass has a sweet and delicate flavor, with moist tender flakes and a buttery texture.

Nowadays, the Lavraki is cultivated and farmed for consumption. The Mediterranean sea bass is now the second biggest in production of farmed fish in Europe, next to salmon. As a result, it is no longer difficult to taste this once-elusive fish.

Thanks to its delicious taste and consistent availability throughout the year, the Lavraki has become one of the most popular Mediterranean fish in North America and Great Britain.

Our Lavraki at Nerai is sustainably raised and sourced in Kefalonia, Greece. The Lavraki is grilled, fileted, and served with oregano, ladolemono, and capers.

Make a reservation at Nerai today and try this traditional Greek delicacy for yourself.

in Greek Islands

Discover Naxos, the hidden gem of the Cyclades

June 19, 2018

Despite being the largest island in the Greek Cyclades, Naxos remains a hidden gem. Unlike its more famous island counterparts like Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos doesn’t have much in the way of wild beach bars, pool parties, and luxury hotels.

Instead, what it has is traditional Greek culture and untouched natural beauty. Unlike the other Cycladic islands, with their rocky and barren landscapes, Naxos features an abundance of lush greenery. As a matter of fact, it is often referred to as the “green leaf” of the Aegean Sea because it is the greenest island in the Cyclades, with high mountains and fertile valleys. According to mythology, Naxos is so lush and fertile because it is the place where Dionysus, the god of wine, found his wife Ariadne.

Naxos is also brimming with history. Alongside the cubic whitewashed buildings, there are a number of old churches, monasteries, and Venetian castles that hearken back to the Greek island’s past as the Duchy of Aegean, one of Venice’s many vassals in the 12th century. The Venetian rule of Naxos lasted for about 300 years, and their influence can still be seen today in the architecture.

The most famous landmark in Naxos is the Portara, an enormous marble doorway that is believed to have belonged to a 6th century BC temple of Apollo. The temple was then turned into a church, and when the island was under Ottoman rule, it was torn apart for its marble. However, the doorway — due to its huge size and sheer heaviness — remained standing. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists.

Naxos is also a hub of authentic Greek culture. On the mountain tops, there are many small villages where the locals still wear traditional garb, weave on looms, and live off the fruit of the land. And there are also a variety of religious feasts, festivals, and cultural events on the island where villagers celebrate their patron saints with traditional song and dance as well as local food and drink.

However, you don’t have to buy a plane ticket to experience the rich history and culture of Naxos. By spending an afternoon or evening at Nerai, you can enjoy a taste of authentic Greek culture without even leaving New York.

Make a reservation at Nerai today.

in Greek Food

Fall in love with our newest summer salad

June 14, 2018

Our new, melon & feta salad at Nerai is a modern and refreshing twist on the classic Greek salad that we all know and love. Made with sweet watermelon and honeydew, chunks of feta cheese, over a yogurt avocado puree, and drizzled with a strawberry vinaigrette, this fresh and light salad is perfect for the summertime.

You might be surprised to see avocado in this salad. After all, avocado is not an ingredient that is traditionally grown in Greece, nor incorporated in most Greek dishes.

But these days, avocados are being cultivated in Crete and they are becoming increasingly popular additions in Greek cuisine.

In the late 1980s, Greek farmers started growing avocados because they received grant money from the EU. They were promised a high yield because avocados, unlike other crops, are not as prone to pests and diseases. For Greek farmers, it seemed like there was much potential for profit.

As a result, citrus farmers and families with olive tree groves in Crete started to switch to growing avocados instead. At first, this led to a decline in profits. Avocados were indeed easier to grow — but since they were so new and foreign, it took time for Greek people to develop a taste for avocados.

Nowadays, avocados have become more popular in Greece. They won’t be found on every Greek table, but they are starting to appear in more and more Greek restaurants.

One of the most popular ways to incorporate avocado in traditional Greek dishes is through salads. Rich in taste and creamy in texture, a ripe avocado is the perfect addition to any simple Greek salad.

Try our new melon & feta salad at Nerai! Make a reservation today.

in Announcements

Explore the timeless beauty of Santorini

June 7, 2018

It’s summertime, which means that it’s time to start dreaming about balmy blue water, seaside lunches, and endless relaxation.

Santorini is the ultimate place for a summer vacation. With its instantly recognizable white architecture and elegant blue domes, this Greek island is a beautiful and serene location to kick back and relax.

Located in the Aegean Sea, Santorini was created by a series of volcanic eruptions that carved out a massive caldera in the sea, leaving towering cliffs along the east side. Once circular, the island is now crescent shaped.

Today, Santorini is considered the most sought-after place for a romantic getaway — and it’s not difficult to see why. Clusters of whitewashed buildings at dizzying heights spill down the steep cliffside, offering stunning views over the vibrant blue Aegean Sea.

And the cliffside hotels — with their private infinity pools and plunge pools overlooking the edge of the caldera — simply exude classic elegance.

Along the streets of the capital town, Fira, there are a number of these luxury hotels, as well as rooftop restaurant terraces from which you can slowly sip a glass of rosé while enjoying the spectacular views before you.

Santorini is renowned not only for its breathtaking views, but also its delicious wines. There are dozens of local wineries that host wine tastings.

Santorini is best known for its crispy dry whites and amber-colored dessert wine called Vinsanto, both of which are made from the indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko.

A vacation to Santorini should be at the top of everyone’s summer bucket list, and the photos alone are enough to spark wanderlust.

However, even if you are stuck in New York this summer, you can still get a taste of the Santorini experience at Nerai.

Our elegant Mediterranean-inspired decor, light and flavorful traditional Greek fare, and dazzling variety of authentic Greek wine will transport you from the bustling hubbub of New York to the balmy shores of Santorini in no time.

Make a reservation at Nerai today.

We welcome you to experience our impeccable attention to service and genuine hospitality. We look forward to hosting you and your guests soon.

Hours of Operation
	Days	First & Last Seating
Breakfast	Monday - Friday	7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Lunch	Monday - Friday	11:45 AM – 3:30 PM
Dinner	Monday - Thursday	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
	Friday & Saturday	5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Savor the hearty taste of kakavia, or Greek fisherman’s soup

Uncover the mystery behind the famous shipwreck of Zakynthos

Treat yourself to moussaka, the classic Greek comfort food

Escape to the secluded beaches of Thassos

Cool down this summer with a fresh Horiatiki salad

Experience the world-class nightlife of Mykonos

Indulge in grilled lavraki, a traditional Greek delicacy

Discover Naxos, the hidden gem of the Cyclades

Fall in love with our newest summer salad

Explore the timeless beauty of Santorini

Haute Greek Cuisine

Nerai Blog