13 November 2007

taim


for some time now, i have been expounding the virtues of our lovely taim.

it is now firmly entrenched in the west village, a neighborhood landmark of sorts. it is a rare breed - delicious, fast, cheap, and elegant - and extols it's virtues with a wonderfully executed graphic logo.

taim is hebrew for 'tasty', and that it is. sitting blithely on waverly place, it lounges about casually next to a theater and across from what used to be world of video. around the corner lies the former apartment of tom and adrienne, now in south carolina, having abandoned us all those years ago!

back to taim. to call it a restaurant would be a misnomer. it is a tiny enclave where only the freshest, most delicious, and artfully arranged falafels emerge. brilliant in a variety of flavors - regular, green, harissa, and specials - every fried chick pea ball is hot, moist, and tasty (kind of starting to sound like world of video all over again). the homemade moroccan spicy carrots are piquant; the hummus is thick and rich; the tahini delicate and fluid. israeli salad, zatar bread, and other middle eastern goodies round out the menu. i try to stay away from the addictive fries with saffron mayo for obvious reasons.

i have brought practically everyone i know to taim, although many have resisted its charms - who knows why? we love the owners, who despite repeated attempts, have not given us t-shirts to wear as free advertising! their french and israeli sensibilities show up not only in the quality of the food, but in the way it's served - beautiful white porcelain platters.

there's barely any seating, and lines can form, but they are quick at taim. we've bumped into many people we know there, who swear they are regulars and will never stray this most lovely and special of casual eateries.

bless you, taim!

222 waverly place
new york
212 691 1287

postscript: i've just been informed (thanks hillary!) that the new yorker equally enjoyed taim, as evidence in their recent review!


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