GRAFFITI - NYC: FOOD FASHIONISTA

September 15, 2009

GRAFFITI - NYC

Graffiti is the creation of Jehangir Mehta, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a Pastry Chef extraordinaire who has worked in many of NYC's top kitchens including Jean Georges and Aix. From the moment you approach Graffiti, you will know that you've stumbled upon something unique and special.

With a dining space that only seats 18 and a surprisingly miniscule kitchen, you will be reminded of the fact that good things do come in small packages. Chef Mehta personally designed the entire space himself. It was transformed from a hat boutique to what is now a go to popular dining destination in the East Village. With the Buddha sculpture, the illuminating chandeliers, and the eclectic mix and match furniture and art work in the dimly lit space, you will feel as if you are in a cozy East Asian sanctuary. Although the room is aesthetically soothing and visually enticing, the best art work of all comes out of the kitchen with Chef Mehta's inventive and original dishes that combine flavor combos and ingredients that will be sure to blow you away and leave you wanting more.

We were all impressed with the quality cuisine that was created out of that tiny little kitchen. To give you a visual, the restaurant is so small that the staff has to walk single-handedly down the restaurant when taking orders and delivering food. The room is intimate and you feel as if you are at Chef Mehta's home dinner party when dining at Graffiti. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and happy to assist with all your dietary restrictions and needs. Graffiti also does a great job catering to vegetarians and those on a gluten-free diet.

The food is best ordered as shared plates and we can't think of a better way to taste a variety of Chef Mehta's creations. Wine is an affordable deal with all bottles being $25/bottle and $8/glass. What I love about Graffiti is it's uniqueness. It is a place that serves high quality, great tasting cuisine in a casual, relaxed environment. It is memorable. It is a restaurant that I am looking forward to dining at again and again when I visit one of my favorite cities in the U.S. which is the one and only New York.