FOOD & DRINK
KELLARI TAVERNA
TRADITIONAL GREEK CUISINE GOES MODERN By Anne Raso
ellari Taverna is a stand out among Manhattan’s Mediterranean eateries for a number of reasons: authenticity, friendly service that never gets intrusive, spacious atmosphere and a huge amount of menu choices. Speaking of atmosphere, the online photos of the woodpaneled main dining room with its large floral arrangements, seafood displays on ice and majestic light fixtures definitely look inviting—but you will be totally awestruck in person. The dining room is the perfect blend of traditional and modern with medium-hued wood abounding and the remarkably high vaulted ceilings. There is an underlying wine cellar-theme with barrels lining the area above the bar. Owner Stavros Aktipis arrived from Greece in his 20s and soon after opened his first eatery Evvia in Palo Alto, CA. It was here he met a New Yorker whom he eventually married and together they moved east. He also thought that it was as good a time as any to expand his restaurant empire. Today, there are a total seven restaurants that make up the Kellari Hospitality Group. New York Lifestyles asked Aktipis to share the highlights of his hospitality career—so far. “I have been involved with many restaurants during the past 20 years. With Kellari, everything is Mediterranean related, you have to have great food and a great product, and that’s what I try to do. Coming from Greece, everything is grilled merely using lemon, herbs and olive oil.” Aktipis’ passion for food is unrelenting. “I want guests to leave knowing they were treated with excellent hospitality. I want to make guests feel relaxed and at home.” 78 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | APRIL 2019