Taiim Cellar: Now a Mediterranean Tapas Bar

Taiim Cellar in Scarsdale Village has reinvented itself as a Mediterranean wine and tapas bar and is now offering a selection of small plates that can be enjoyed inside the sleekly designed restaurant or outside at tables on Boniface Circle. The restaurant installed a new ventilation system in the kitchen and is now permitted to grill, widening the possibilities of what they can serve.

We stopped by this week to sample the new offerings and were pleasantly surprised to find a comfortable table outside and many appealing small plates from which to choose.

Along with a glass of chilled rose, we started by sharing an endive, watermelon, pickled celery, feta and mint in a yogurt dressing. It was crisp, crunchy and refreshing. Next up was the Fritto Misto –fried calamari, shrimp and fennel served with a rich truffle aioli sauce. Maitre D' Danny highly recommended the calamari in smoky tomato sauce shown here and the flavor was indeed unique.

However my favorite was the grilled skirt steak "Bavette" with cipollini onions in romesco sauce. Next time we'll be ordering two of those. It was sizzling and delicious.

Also on the menu are Taiim's signature selection of hummus, a good choice of panini sandwiches, plus salads and an extensive cocktail list. Prices are reasonable, portions are generous and it's easy to enjoy a quick bite.

Stop by for lunch or dinner and tell Danny you saw the write up on Scarsdale10583. Taiim Cellar, 11 Boniface Circle, Scarsdale, 914-723-6900, www.taiimcellar.com.