BRIAN’S 100 BEST ’19: SMOKED EGGPLANT CARPACCIO at 19 CLEVELAND

I’m counting down the 100 best dishes I tasted in 2019…

I’ve heard that the heart of the modern food scene in Israel is actually in the city of Tel Aviv. Well, the owners of falafel joint Nish Nush have decided to take that influence and run with it at 19 Cleveland, which calls itself a Tel-Avivian restaurant. I have to come back for a full meal to see what that’s all about but if the rest of the menu is anything like the delicate, smoky and fresh eggplant carpaccio, then I’m on board. Showered with salty feta, bright pomegranate seeds, crunchy pistachios and a bed of tahini, it’s a must start to your Tel-Avivian meal. Price: $12