Taim in Hebrew means "tasty, delicious," and this tiny restaurant located on a quiet street in the West Village more than lives up to the name. Taim was created eleven years ago by Einat Admony, a trained chef, and her husband Stefan Nafzinger, both natives of Tel Aviv. They missed the "street food" of their city and decided to do something about it, and created Taim. The restaurant despite being tight on space has been a smashing success to the point of having a loyal almost cult like following. There is a Taim on Spring Street as well, larger in size, but I prefer the original.

The Falafal Sandwich (chickpea croquettes, hummus, Israeli salad, pickled cabbage, and tahini stuffed in pita bread) at Taim is far and away the best falafal sandwich I have eaten in New York. At Taim you have a choice of three types:  The Green Falafal, which is mixed with parsley, cilantro and mint, the Red Falafal, which is mixed with spicy red peppers, and (my favorite) the Harissa Falafal, mixed with Tunisian spices.

Ingredients at Taim are so fresh. Here is a closeup of the Israeli Salad. (Freshly chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and lemon mint dressing.)

The menu board at Taim. The restaurant is tiny with just eight stools. At times the place can get a little too packed and cramped.  But despite, it is worth it. Many people who come to Taim do "take out."

The most popular dish and offering a very good overview of Israeli cuisine, is the "Mixed Falafal Platter," which comes with two each of the three types of falafal (the Red, Green and Harissa) humus, Israeli salad, Tabouli salad, and toasted Za'atar pita bread. Not only delicious, but a very large portion as well. Please note that since the creation of Taim Ms. Admony has opened two other restaurants in New York, Balaboosta and Bar Bolonat.  Both outstanding, more formal and sophisticated, but my heart remains with Taim.

Hebrew (Israel) language lesson - "Hello"  (Sholam)  "Thank you"  (Toe-DAH)  "Delicious"  (Tah-EEM)

Interesting fact about Israel - Israel has the highest percentage of college degrees of any country in the world.

Address - 222 Waverly Place (Manhattan)