Art at Nerai

June 26, 2016

Nerai is pleased to present its first art exhibition, consisting of selected pieces of art created by two distinguished Greek artists. This art exhibition is a part of a larger initiative led by co-founder Spiros Menegatos to support artists from Greece.

theologitis-hellenic-boats — Andreas Theologitis “Hellenic Boats”

theologitis-full-moon — Andreas Theologitis “Full Moon”

Acrylic and Liquid Glass on Canvas — Petros Santos “Little-Pond”

theologitis-presence-of-the-wind — Andreas Theologitis “Presence of the Wind”

Professional artists are among the most vulnerable victims of the current economic crisis in the country. The state has no funds to support the art community, which results in talented artists abandoning their trade. Through this exhibition, Nerai aspires to give a variety of professional Greek artists the chance to exhibit their work and share the artistic side of Greek culture and tradition with the the world.

Nerai’s first periodic exhibition starts by presenting the masterpieces of the Greek photographer Andreas Theologitis and the Greek painter Petros Santos. Each of the pieces on display is available for purchase, and interested parties should please contact us for further information.

in Announcements

Filoxenia: Nerai Joins Top New York Restaurants to Eliminate Tipping

May 3, 2016

Nerai is proud to announce its decision to join the growing number of fine dining establishments in moving away from the low wage, tip-based wage system that creates inequality. All Nerai customers now see a flat check with no additional gratuity required. This has been titled Filoxenia, which loosely translates to “hospitality.”

The cost of each meal is the same as it would be if paid with a set amount for the food and a separate amount for service, says owner Spiro Menegatos. “We believe in offering the same fine dining experience without changing how your food is prepared or delivered, nor how your table is served.”

The system is designed to ensure every employee of the restaurant makes a fair wage, from the chefs in the kitchen to the busboys. Instead of an inequitable tipping system that is open to abuse and leaves certain employees out of the loop, restaurateurs are finding that a no-tipping model satisfies both customers and employees in every capacity.

“With the no-tipping system, diners know that the restaurant is taking an active role in ensuring server excellence,” says Mr. Menegatos. “Each server will be answerable to management, not the customer, for their quality of service. They will also be compensated fairly without having to worry about the range of tipping. This ensures that our servers and all other staff have the security of a reliable income, and that our customers get consistent, excellent service at every visit.”

The no-tipping system has already been successfully implemented by a host of high end restaurants in the NYC area. In every instance, employee turnover stabilizes, employee satisfaction rises, and customers report no impact on the overall cost of their fine meal.
Customers will still be able to offer input, according to Mengatos; there will be a 5 Star ranking system on the bottom of each check so that guests can leave feedback. Servers that receive substandard scores will be coached to offer a better guest experience.

“It’s a socially responsible, economically significant, and ethically sound way to operate,” Menegatos concludes. “We are happily joining the revolution of fine dining, and know both our customers and our employees will benefit from the change. No-tipping is the future of the industry, and we hope more restaurateurs will follow our lead in ensuring top shelf service and wage equity for their employees.”

in Press

The Top 5 Restaurants to Hit in NYC During Broadway Week

May 1, 2016

From: hauteliving.com

If you’re looking to avoid the insanity of Times Square, head over to the warm and welcoming Greek restaurant Nerai. Known for its superior hospitality that begins as soon as you set foot into the door, the eatery boasts an extensive menu with both traditional and innovative Greek dishes from Executive Chef Chris Christou. Its seafood, flown in daily, is one of the menu’s crown gems with selections like Black Tiger shrimp from the Pacific, fagri and lavraki from Greece, and live lobster from Maine. Sitting among their light and airy multi-level space, you’ll feel thousands of miles away from Midtown madness.

in Announcements

Filoxenia

April 18, 2016

Please note that Nerai is a non-tipping restaurant; our prices include filoxenia. There is no need to tip at the end of your meal. We appreciate that this is a new way of doing things, we value your feedback.

The Greek word for hospitality, “filoxenia” literally translates to the love of strangers, and is quite possibly the single most defining attribute that Greeks identify with. At Nerai we work relentlessly to ensure each guest is touched by our “filoxenia” and we are proud to make you the guest of honor during your visit.

Thank you,
The Nerai Team
hospitality@nerainyc.com

in Greek Food

Fresh, Seasonal Greek Specialities at Nerai

March 11, 2016

As the seasons change, so do the carefully curated offerings at Nerai, where Greek traditions and Mediterranean fusion come together to provide an ever-changing delight of enjoyable dining.

Heading out of the winter season, there are several dishes on our menu that can be showcased. While we still serve a full range of fresh fish flown in from all over the world to give you the prime pickings for each catch, you may be interested in some of our more meaty options.

Veal and Octopus Stifado

This amazing blend of flavors starts with delicately cooked veal and fresh octopus. The plate is dressed with house made hilopites (small square pasta), garnished with tiny pearl onions, and topped with a single heirloom poached egg.

Rack of Lamb or Chateaubriand

Hungry for tender meat falling off the bone? The 16 oz. rack of New Zealand baby lamb is served swimming in delicately flavored rosemary jus.

A couple dining out may prefer to indulge in the 24 oz. center-cut tenderloin served in mavrodaphne jus. Either dish goes well with one or more sides picked to enjoy or to share – choose from:

Mastiha Brussels sprouts
Sautéed spinach
Grilled asparagus
Lemon potatoes
Spinach rice
Feta mashed potatoes
Truffle Feta Fries

Lighter Options

For those who prefer the meze bar, try pairing short rib meatballs with our colorful beets and skordalia, complete with pears, almond and saffron, or try a duck baklava wrapped treat with duck confit and sour cherry jus.

You can always enjoy a salad if you need a lighter meal – the butternut squash salad with kale, haloumi croutons, pears and pomegranate balsamic provides a vegetarian option that is filling and blends a variety of flavors in a delightful presentation.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

in Greek Food

Kim Kardashian’s favorite restaurant?

February 29, 2016

From: NY Daily News

“Kim Kardashian has a new favorite restaurant in Manhattan. While in town for Fashion Week, Kardashian was twice spotted at Nerai on E. 54th St. The first time was a Friday night, when she came in to shoot a scene of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” with her male pal Jonathan Cheban. She returned the next day at 4 p.m. — two hours before the restaurant opens — hungry again. “The waiters weren’t in so [executive] chef Chris Christou served the food personally,” we’re told.”

in Announcements

Host an Elegant Corporate Event at Nerai

February 24, 2016

Nerai is pleased to provide a specialty Prix Fixe menu for a company’s social events. Instead of having tiresome catering sent to a boring, crowded conference room, reserve one or both of our stunning dining rooms and make an impression with exquisite food and attentive service.

The Prixe Fixe dinner menu includes many options, including our Shared Appetizers:

Choose from a fresh Greek salad studded with tomatoes, onion, olive, rye, and feta; spinach pies filled with feta and drizzled with ouzo yogurt; or short rib meatballs dressed with tomato sauce and whipped cheese.

Next, our Greek and Mediterranean Entrees:

The King salmon is on the entrée menu, with sides of spinach rice and crispy leeks; so is the whole lavraki (Mediterranean sea bass) deboned and filleted. Alternately, choose between the Cretan Spiced Scallops with ouzo honey pork belly, broccoli rabe, and parsnip puree; or the short rib youvetsi plated with orzo, tomato confit, and piave vecchio.

Finally, everyone will love our Shared Desserts:

Each table can enjoy Saragli (hand-rolled baklava with almonds and pistachios); Portokalopita (orange sponge-filo cake with chocolate sorbet and hazelnuts); or Kataifi Ekmek (a mastiha custard with honey, pistachios, and cinnamon).

Add something extra to each table with incredible seafood towers, oysters, or shellfish cocktails from our raw bar selection.

Additional event upgrades include an enhanced menu with additional or alternative appetizers, entrees, and desserts, including pita bread and spreads, grilled octopus, lobster pasta, lamb chops, and lavender mousse.

Expect a wholly positive reaction when you have your next corporate event at Nerai.

in Announcements

Valentine’s Day at Nerai

February 5, 2016

This year, impress your significant other with an indulgent Valentine’s Day dinner at Nerai. Executive Chef Chris Christou crafts a spectacular marriage of Greek and Mediterranean flavors together in a sumptuous spread designed strictly for amorous couples. His five course menu includes:

Raw Kumamoto Oysters served up with malagouzia foam and a basil emulsion
A Pomegranate and Kale Salad tossed with toasted walnuts, garnished with halloumi croutons, and dressed with a tangy pomegranate balsamic
Fresh Lobster Orzotto featuring butter poached maine lobster plated with a side of carefully prepared asparagus and covered with a creamy metaxa bisque
Choice of a Filet Mignon with beech mushrooms and mavrodaphne jus served with feta mashed potatoes, or our famous Ora King Salmon served with crispy leeks, candied beets, and a stunning avocado mousse
Two incredible desserts to share – a warm chocolate fondant with orange coulis, Greek cookie crumble and vanilla ice cream, or Aphrodite’s Embrace, featuring samos zabaglione and balsamic macerated strawberries

Vegetarian options are also available on request. Reservations do fill quickly for this lover’s tradition, so reserve a table today and make this Valentine’s Day one neither of you will ever forget.

Make a new tradition with your beloved, enjoy some amazing food studded with aphrodisiac treats, and ensure that there’s no disappointment when it comes to your romancing skills. Book Valentine’s Day Dinner at Nerai today.

in Greek Food

Your Final New Years’ Resolution? Have Brunch at Nerai

January 24, 2016

Long week of work? Want to sleep in? Now you’re ready for a fine meal, but most restaurants don’t open for hours. Forget getting up early for breakfast or settling for a bagel when you can enjoy a delightful repast in your own time at Nerai. The Greek / Mediterranean fusion brunch is ideal for power couples wanting to spend a little time together on the weekend.

Start with a cocktail. The time honored Bloody Mary or Mimosa is gratis with brunch, or try the restaurant’s specialty Persephone. Additional cocktails are available, including a honey sweetened Greek Island Iced Tea, a blueberry-saturated Metaxa Blue, a vanilla frappe, or an Ouzo Sunrise with blood orange. No alcohol today? Select a glass of fresh squeezed juice or a classic Greek frappe.

Starters allow you to share a plate or three while the chef prepared the rest of your meal. The restaurant’s trademark Chips Nerai are always a favorite, or get adventurous and nibble on spinach pies, duck baklava, tuna tartare, or grilled octopus.

The main event of brunch is a plate of delicious breakfast fare designed to each person’s taste. Choose Tsoureki French toast topped generously with sliced bananas and seasonal berries; two fresh eggs prepared to order; the amazing Maine lobster Benedict; or an incredible Greek omelet with feta, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and basil.

Want a little meatier meal? Try the organic chicken skewer with fingerling potatoes and tzatziki sauce, the Ora King salmon with spinach rice and crispy leeks, the Kasseri Lamb Burger topped with smoked eggplant and roasted red peppers served with a side of fries, or slow-braised short rib hash plated with a soft fried egg and some tender home fries.

Finish the meal with a decadent dessert. Fruit, yogurt, mousse and an authentic apple bougatsa all vie for a place on the table, so order them all and ask for extra spoons. Sunday brunch at Nerai will quickly become a staple of your weekend, and sustain you through the busy week ahead, so make a standing reservation and create a new tradition for the New Year. See you soon!

in Greek Food

Make Dining at Nerai a Priority in 2016

January 13, 2016

If you haven’t been to Nerai yet, making a reservation could be the best thing you do for your palate all year. Whether you already love modern Greek food or are a novice to the world of Mediterranean fare, you’ll quickly find that this restaurant is one of the most elegant places to dine, and sets one of the most sumptuous tables without a whiff of pretentiousness.

Executive Chef Chris Christou brought this New York based gem to the attention of New York Time’s “don’t miss” list almost immediately after it opened its doors in July of 2013. Reimagining the space in the old Oceana space on 54th street, Nerai features several well-appointed dining rooms, a fabulous meze bar and an impressive wine selection – and that’s before you even get to the main menu.

The variety available is possibly one of the most fascinating things about Nerai – while fresh caught, fish flown in from all over the world takes center stage, there is plenty of choice for the more traditional carnivore. Beef, lamb, chicken, duck and more are all available, with elegant sides such as the famed truffle fries or authentic Greek salads.

The meze bar features hearty portions on single plates, designed to be mixed and matched then shared amongst a group. Holidays provide chances for an elegant night out with Prix Fixe menus and specialty offerings prepared by Chef Christou, and there are even choices for children so families can dine together.

Sunday brunch is a delight, with everything from a special twist on Eggs Benedict to exciting yogurt and granola blends on the menu. Lunchtime features a whole different range of choices, and makes Nerai a favorite destination for a business lunch.

Nerai has been called “A New York City Greek restaurant that sets new levels for modern Hellenic cuisine.” The authentic dishes brightened with Mediterranean zest make this restaurant one you simply have to visit in 2016.

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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 - Sunday	7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Lunch	Monday - Sunday	11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Limited Menu	Monday - Sunday	3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Dinner	Monday - Sunday	5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

For parties of nine or more, we offer a unique prix-fixe menu.

Art at Nerai

Filoxenia: Nerai Joins Top New York Restaurants to Eliminate Tipping

The Top 5 Restaurants to Hit in NYC During Broadway Week

Filoxenia

Fresh, Seasonal Greek Specialities at Nerai

Veal and Octopus Stifado

Rack of Lamb or Chateaubriand

Lighter Options

Kim Kardashian’s favorite restaurant?

Host an Elegant Corporate Event at Nerai

Valentine’s Day at Nerai

Your Final New Years’ Resolution? Have Brunch at Nerai

Make Dining at Nerai a Priority in 2016

Haute Greek Cuisine

Nerai Blog