Hummus in Soho @ 19 Cleveland

An easy and direct hour and a half train ride is all it takes to escape to one of the most renowned culinary meccas of the world.  New York City is the perfect rendezvous point for all of your foodie needs. What makes New York a must, at least for me, is the chance to touch every corner of the world’s cuisine in a 20 square mile playground. For today's food column, I visit Israeli culture in the heart of Soho. Yes, you heard me we are going to the prophesied land of the Middle East. Open your mind and pallet and stray away from Fairfield staples like Brick and Wood or Bar Taco and experience Israeli eats with me.

This Tel-Avivian gem is nestled in the heart of Soho. The menu offers a range of Israeli specialties like traditional hummus, falafel, and whole baked fish. A casual yet sleek ambiance sprinkled with contemporary murals by Marco Santini line the walls of the restaurant and offer an experience, unlike any other New York eatery. By using fresh quality ingredients Cleveland does what it does best. Taking simple dishes like the Smoked Eggplant and marrying in salty feta, decadent pistachio, vibrant pomegranate, with an infusion of tahini creating the perfect balance and flavor as only Cleveland can. At the first taste of any dish here, you are filled with an overwhelming sense of passion. Passion in the cultivation and preparation of the food, passion in the ambiance, and passion in the hospitality. Next time you are strolling through Soho and find yourself on Cleveland Place this eatery is an absolute must. Or better yet, hop on a train and make it a mandatory destination. In addition to the Smoked Eggplant dish mentioned above these are some of my other favorites…

Branzino a la Plancha

Mediterranean Sea Bass atop a bed of caramelized carrot, Freekeh (smoked wheat risotto), Traditional Israeli yogurt, and middle eastern herbs to bring the dish together. This dish is an absolute staple when dining at 19 Cleveland. The fish brings to light the saltiness of the mediterranean sea while the Smoked Risotto offers a buttery rich dynamic only to be cut by the acidity of the Israeli yogurt.

Fresh Corn Polenta

A sweet yet rich polenta accompanied with expertly sourced wild mushroom in accompaniment with a miso Raghu, grilled asparagus and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and Truffle Oil. This dish is not for the faint of heart and is definitely a cheat day dish. Enjoy this Mediterranean specialty on a cold day when it can still be deemed as an acceptable cuisine.

Yours Truly,

Jacob Beam

19 Cleveland Pl, New York, NY 10012