M25 is a new, no-nonsense haven for committed carnivores.
By SHAWN RODGERSM25 restaurant(photo credit: PR)
Nestled in Tel Aviv’s Shuk Hacarmel lies a carnivore’s paradise.Opened just a few months ago, M25 (located 25 meters from its parent butcher shop, Meat Market) is the kind of place meat lovers dream about. It is run by renowned chef and culinary adviser Yaron Kestenbaum.Upon entering, one is struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere of the restaurant, as well as the fun vibe in the air.One can choose to sit at a table in a small adjoining outer courtyard or inside facing a large open kitchen, where you can watch the sous chefs having a ball preparing some enticing meat dishes.My dining partner, a regular patron of the place, was excited for me to try some of the restaurant’s already popular dishes. We started off with a Middle Eastern classic, arayes (NIS 48), a delicious grilled pita stuffed with rich, seasoned minced lamb. It was accompanied by a flavorful fresh tomato salad surrounded by creamy tehina. The combination of tomato and tehina made a perfectly balanced combo.This was followed by an open-faced corned beef sandwich (NIS 38), which was fantastic! The meat was a deep maroon-red color, very tender and very juicy. I’m drooling now just thinking about it. The corned beef had just the right amount of fat on it, and the meat-to-bread ratio was perfect.It was one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten.After a few beers, we made our way to the corner counter, where you can choose your own cut of meat, which they cook to your liking. The options include sirloin, entrecote, prime rib and a variety of kebabs. We chose to share the 300 gr. New York strip steak (NIS 36 per 100 gr.). Boy, am I glad we did! It was cooked perfectly and was tender and delicious. Dark and charred on the outside, red and juicy on the inside.For dessert, we tried the sinful crack pie (NIS 34). With just the right amount of saltysweet, the crust is made from oatmeal cookie, and the filling is a mix of butter, sugar, heavy whipping cream and other goodies…but mostly butter! Just one bite, and you realize why it’s called crack pie.Overall, it was a very satisfying meal that really hit the spot when craving some real meat. M25 may not be an elegant dining establishment, but it is the ideal venue for serious meat eaters. I will definitely be going there again.The writer was a guest of the restaurant.M25Not kosher30 Simtat Hacarmel, Tel AvivTel: (03) 517-3086
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