Cavatelli and Sushi Are Some of Miznon Chef Liad Balki’s Favorite Things
To-Go Takes is Resy’s regular feature wherein we quiz the folks behind some of our favorite restaurants about all things related to takeout.
In this edition, we speak to Liad Balki, the director of culinary operations and head chef at Israeli sensation Miznon, whose locations in Chelsea Market and the Upper West Side are currently open for outdoor and indoor dining, pickup, and delivery. Below, he shares some of his favorite takeout tips, tricks, cocktails, and regular stops.
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Restaurant: Miznon
Name + Title: Liad Balki, Director of Culinary Ops & Head Chef
Resy: What’s your favorite dish from Miznon’s takeout menu?
Balki: The octopus matbucha, which is a newer item on our menu. It features seared octopus in a spicy and smoky tomato sauce. Matbucha is a popular item in Israel and when one of our chefs from Tel Aviv was visiting, he had the idea to use it as a sauce for octopus. I knew we had to serve it at Miznon, too.
Where are you getting takeout from and what are you ordering?
Ki Sushi is some of the best sushi in the city; I love their omakase specials. I also love the people at Evelina in my neighborhood. Maya Taqueria is also always great for al pastor tacos.
Best tip to amp up your takeout?
Always heat things up when it comes home if possible. And, of course, some tahini and hot sauce need to be ready on the side.
What’s your favorite place for cocktails to go?
Sweet Polly in Prospect Heights.
What single dish would you walk miles for?
The omakase from Sushi Nakazawa.
What was your first meal back when restaurants reopened?
I’m a regular at LaRina and Roman’s in my neighborhood, so my first meal back was outside at one of those spots. But honestly, I have a newborn baby, so just the experience of being outside and being served by someone is so refreshing in general. I can’t wait to get back to Frankies 457 for the cavatelli with sausage and brown butter, a cheese plate, and a bottle of white wine.
North Miznon is open for outdoor and indoor dining Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and weekend brunch. Order North Miznon takeout and delivery here.
Miznon at Chelsea Market is open for outdoor and indoor dining seven days a week for dinner and weekend brunch. Order Miznon at Chelsea Market takeout and delivery here.
Check out Miznon at Dekalb Market, too, and stay tuned for an upcoming location in Hudson Yards.
