Nur - NYC's Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
It's been a while since I've reviewed a restaurant. These days, it's so much easier to go to Instagram, scroll through an account's feed and judge a restaurant by its photos (just as it is easier to post a photo to Instagram). To be honest, I can't remember the last time I read a review of a restaurant. Not because I don't care about what critics have to say, but because the past few months have been crazy busy with work, wedding planning and attending weddings! My early New Year's resolution is to try to write a couple of reviews a month and read other writer's and bloggers reviews. If they are taking the time to write them, I can take the time to read them!
A few weeks ago, I finally got to try Nur. It's been hyped up since it opened in April (I did read the New York Times review!), and until now, I really couldn't commit to booking a reservation so far in advance. I will just preface that it was SO worth the hype!
I love Middle Eastern food, but everything I've had before has been very simple. Chef Meir Adoni "spices" traditional recipes, by mixing ingredients and flavors that you would never think could go together (Tahini and Octopus!, Jerusalem Artichokes and Ice Cream!).
Here's what we got:
JERUSALEM SESAME BAGEL: ZA’ATAR AND LIMA BEAN MESSBAHA
TUNA CEVICHE PANIPURI: YUZU BUTTERMILK FOAM, DRIED APRICOTS, ALMONDS, HABANERO
CHICKPEA FRIED OCTOPUS: CHICKPEA CREAM, BLACK AND WHITE TAHINI, PRESERVED LEMON AND TAMARIND PASTE, FRESH ALMONDS, SIDE OF CHICKPEA AND CARAMELIZED ONION SAMOSAS
SEARED SCALLOPS: CHESTNUT AND MUSHROOM CREAMS, CHANTERELLE AND SHIMEJI MUSHROOMS, ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH, PORCINI MACADAMIA NUT BUTTER
ANDALUSIAN TUNA: SEARED WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA AND CUMIN, LAMB PANCETTA, JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE RELISH, CHIPOTLE VINAIGRETTE, CORIANDER OIL
HILLS OF JERUSALEM: ROCKS OF CARDAMOM CHOCOLATE AND HALVA, CRISPY JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES, PISTACHIO CREAM, ALMOND SABLE, AND SMOKED YOGURT ICE CREAM
NEW MIDDLE EAST: SEMOLINA AND MASCARPONE CREAM, CITRUS COMPOTE, YOGURT CRUMBLE, SUMAC MERINGUE, AND BLOOD ORANGE SORBET
It's no surprise that Nur gets a 10/10. The food was exceptional, the service was superb and the prices are pretty reasonable. I am thankful it is a block away from my office and will definitely be going back soon. Make your reservation (a month out) ASAP!!
