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oceans Jan 4, 2012 03:34 PM

Turkuaz or Vareli?

I am planning a casual midweek dinner for a number of couples from my husband's place of work. Our ages range from 30's to 60's. We like good food that is reasonably priced in a nice or interesting atmosphere. We will probably be a party of 10 people or so. I am thinking about Turkuaz or Vareli. Any opinions? They prefer UWS for convenience.

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Turkuaz
2637 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Vareli
2869 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
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›6 Replies . Latest Jan 7, 2012 by uwsister
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     Simon Jan 4, 2012 06:37 PM

    i've ordered delivery from Turkuaz in the past many times when housesitting on CPW/97th, and i've eaten in the place once or twice...

    Sure the setting is ok...the food is mediocre/average...the only reason i've ordered repeatedly in the past is because food on the UWS is so awful that most every other delivery option is sub-mediocre...

    Do yourself a favor and spend a few bucks on a taxi to a part of town that has better food...

    But if you just want a mellow pleasant darkly-lit dinner w/ average food, Turkuaz would be fine...

    I've never heard of Vareli...what is it?

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    Turkuaz
    2637 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
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    1. re: Simon
      strangemd Jan 4, 2012 07:47 PM

      Vareli is a kind of American bistro with strong Greek influences up on Bwy and 111th. It's actually quite good (for the neighborhood), has a more intimate mood than Turkuaz, and a far better selection of cocktails/beers/wines. My vote between the 2 would definitely be for Vareli, but it's not a huge place so be sure to reserve well in advance. With 10 people, you might get half the upstairs room and a nice view over Broadway.

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      Vareli
      2869 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
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      1. re: strangemd
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         Simon Jan 4, 2012 07:55 PM

        Vareli sounds nice...does it have a bar what you can eat at?...i'll keep it in mind if i'm ever stranded up there :)
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        1. re: Simon
          strangemd Jan 5, 2012 08:57 AM

          Yup. Nice bar. Never eaten there myself, but I've seen other folk munching. It always feels better when dining alone to be at a bar.
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          1. re: strangemd
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             americanafan Jan 5, 2012 10:51 PM

            Another vote for Vareli. The grilled octopus with chickpeas, olives and labneh yogurt is outstanding. In addition to the dinner menu, there is a bar menu with cheeses, charcuterie, and grilled paninis, and an extensive selection of beers and wines by the glass.

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            Vareli
            2869 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
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            1. re: americanafan
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               uwsister Jan 7, 2012 12:48 AM

              Second or third Vareli. My husband and I had dinner there a couple months ago, and we were pleasantly surprised. The grilled octopus was indeed outstanding! I would definitely recommend the dish. I also remember a delicious panna cotta with strawberries (get it with nuts on the side or without them.) We were overall happy with the meal. I remember commenting to the waiter, "Wow, you guys are definitely a great addition to the neighborhood." and he replied, "Well, it's hard to do worse than other guys around here." Ha!

              The downstairs is kind of hectic, a bit of a college hangout vibe, but upstairs it's a lot quieter and would be fine for your dinner.

              I've only ordered delivery from Turkuaz. Their food is fine, especially their lamb. I've never eaten in though so I have no idea what the place looks like inside.

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              Vareli
              2869 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
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