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"At 83 University Pl., near East 11th Street in Union Square, Mint Kitchen is a new Israeli fast-casual from chef Erez Komarovsky (his first NYC restaurant) and partners Zeev Sharon and Assaf Harlap. The menu avoids the typical customizable-bowl format in favor of complete set dishes — chicken breast with a sesame rub; steak served with potatoes, tahini, and salad; and shrimp kebabs with barley, leeks, and a spicy mango salad — plus four salads including a take on Caesar that has roasted avocado and za’atar pita croutons. Meals range from $11.95 to $16.95 and salads from $11.95 to $13.50, with the option to add falafel or additional meats for an upcharge; lighter fare includes herb-and-pinenut matzo ball soup served with pita for $7.95, and desserts feature vegan chocolate-tahini truffles alongside Israeli fruit-and-herb sodas in four flavors. The 50-seat space is bright and open, full of plants and light wood, and the open kitchen highlights a traditional taboon oven with pops of emerald-colored tiling; the interior was designed by the team behind Red Farm and Mr. Purple. Komarovsky will split his time between Israel and New York, and Mint Kitchen is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m." - Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya