Octopus as a main course.
I fell in love with Octopus at a Greek restaurant in the Tampa, Florida area that my family used to go to when I was a kid (yes, I clearly was not your average youth - I couldn't convince any of my family to try to it, but I loved it). I've looked at many Greek places in Manhattan and Astoria but it seems that the places serving Octopus always have it as an appetizer. What I used to get back in the day was very much a main course, with all kinds of pieces. Does anyone know a place (let alone a good place) that serves Octopus as a main course? Greek-style would be preferred but I'm open to anything. Thanks!
joeyz
May 06, 2008 07:55AM
I can't give you specifics, (darn it menupages, when will you add Queens!), but I am sure that there are Korean restaurants that serve it as a main dish.
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although in manhattan...Esca usually has it.
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I had it at Esca last Friday, but it is an appetizer. Delicious grilled, set on a bed of gigantes- white beans. Gusto has the best I've had in a long time, again as an appetizer, though their portion was larger than Esca's. All octopus too, no beans as filler.
Uncle Nick's on 9th Ave has a very large portion. I don't recall if it is technically an appetizer or entree. I've always shared it.
EDIT: Sorry, these are all Manhattan, forgot I was on OB.
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That would be Natural Tofu on Queens Blvd. - whole grilled octopus on a bed of thinly sliced onions on a cast iron dish, cut in pieces at the table.
Easy ride on the 7 train to 40th st. stop.
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Zenon in Astoria has it I'm pretty sure.
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Yiasou in Sheepshead Bay (Emmons Ave.) serves as an appetizer which I have ordered with a tomato salad as a meal. It is deliciously grilled with good olive oil and lemon. Ymmm.
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We had it before as an appetizer at Noodle Pudding and it was great. Not sure if they serve it as a main dish.
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If you love octopus, look for a Spanish restaurant that serves pulpo a la Gallega, Octopus in olive oil seasoned with smoked paprika and served with potatoes. The best I've had outside of Spain was at Casa Vasca in Newark. Not sure who makes a good one in NYC.
http://petercherches.blogspot.com
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Try Ortobello in Brooklyn on the corner of Bay Parkway and 64th St.
Served in a marinara sauce it's excellent.
Just make sure you call ahead to confirm they have it that day.
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