Quite by accident we discovered Anassa Taverna, a lovely Greek restaurant on the upper east side.

If Greek was my primary desire, I would still head to Avra for the best lunch special in NYC., but Anassa is competitive.

Coincidentally, Avra owns Anassa.

Anassa, which has been open for 5 years, is in a great location, possessing a charming ambiance which permeates the bi-level space.

Sidebar: why is Greek food so expensive in America when it is so reasonable in Greece…talk amongst yourselves.

Anyway, we went to a 10am movie and had an errand to run at Bloomingales at 60th and 3rd Avenue.

We drove over because the heat and humidity were offensive and we had alread clocked 4 miles in Central Park with Finnley.

We were going to walk up to the Second Avenue Deli and I happened to glance into the open windows at the attractive restaurant a few doors up from Cinema 123.

We perused the menu and decided to take a chance.

We were seated right in the window space so we were technically outside, but had the benefit of the indoor AC.

We kicked things off with a Rhone rose for me and a merlot for David.

My rose was wonderful and a very generous pour ($14). David has never met a Merlot he truly enjoyed, but $20 for a red at brunch turned him off so he tried the Merlot which was fair ($13).

The Greek Salad was chilled and fresh, tomatoes and onions sweet, an ample portion of feta and crispy cucumber. complimented by a light oil and vinegar dressing ($18).

The Taramusalata was yummy served with triangles of warm pita ($7).

The tasty Grilled Calamari was served as requested…charred and sprinkled with oil and a large juicy lemon on the side ($18).

The  World Cup was on and the french fans were jubilant.

Service was attentive and friendly.

David had a yearning for Baklava and it was the best I have tasted outside of Greece.

It was not smothered in honey which maintained the flaky consistency. The baklava was served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and complimented with mint leaves which really added to the flavor ($10).

Anassa is a very nice restaurant and a wonderful alternative to the eating establishments in Bloomingdale’s and the overpriced mediocrity on 3rd and Lexington in the east 60’s.

Anassa Taverna 200 East 60th Street New York City. Dinner: Tuesday-Thursday 4-11pm, Friday and Saturday 4-11:30pm, Sunday 4-10:30pm, Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30am-3:45pm. Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 11:30am-3:45pm. Reservations on OpenTable.com.