Chef Michael Psilakis Distances Himself From UWS Gem Kefi After Eviction Snafu | Eater NY

"A popular Upper West Side Greek restaurant located at 505 Columbus Ave., between West 84th and West 85th streets, had a hiccup this week when a city marshal’s notice declared the property had been turned over to the landlord and the restaurant briefly shuttered for a night, leaving reservation holders stranded; management called it a miscommunication and Kefi reopened by Wednesday. The landlord’s managing agent, David Horowitz, said he didn’t want to discuss the cause but that the issue was resolved and he hopes it was a one‑time incident. Chef Michael Psilakis—who first opened the restaurant in 2007 and whose website still lists Kefi—issued a statement saying he is no longer a principal at the longtime neighborhood gem, while the restaurant’s manager responded that “Michael Psilakis is and has always been our executive chef.” The restaurant’s name refers to the folkloric Greek concept of kefi, the bliss associated with bacchanalia." - Beth Landman