Taksim
1030 2nd Avenue (between 54th & 55th)

I love the cold weather, but my girlfriend doesn't...and it was 3pm and everything was shut. We were desperately looking to find a place for lunch. Luckily we stumbled (after 10 tries) into Taksim on 2nd Avenue. We both love Turkish food, so this turned into a perfect situation.

Taksim is proof that simple and casual restaurants can beat many of the "5-star" places anywhere. The food is homey and tasty, and the portions are large. Of course the decor is made for take-away and quick eating, but the food is wonderful.

I enjoyed the musakka over pilaf, which was extremely filling and rather good. Not quite the baked version we all know, but more of a mesh that made it work well with rice. My girlfriend enjoyed a very good grilled chicken salad.

For dessert we split a very tasty kadayif -- if you don't know this wonderful nutty pastry, you must try it! It is a Balkan/Turkish delight that pleases everyone. And Taksim did it very, very well.

Overall for a quick, accidental lunch, this was a great find. If you are in the area and want a quick but very good meal, this is the place. Excellent!

Food: B+
Atmosphere: C
For Lone Diners: A-