Get dinner and a show at Nicki’s West 59th

@BR Body bold Lede colon:Why are we reviewing this restaurant?: We were craving soup and salad.

What’s on the menu?: Nicki’s West 59th offers Greek specialities, like avgolemono soup ($3.75 cup/$4.75 bowl), spinach pie ($11.95) and moussaka ($10.95); fresh salmon, snapper and grouper (from $15.95); steak dishes and a smattering of Italian entrees (lasagna, $12.95). You can order chicken, veal or steak with picatta, Marsala or Diane preparation. Liver and onions is also a favorite here for $8.95. Not a big eater? There is also a menu for lighter appetites, ranging from $8.95 for a salad to $11.95 for coconut shrimp, petite sirloin or blackened pork chop dinners. Desserts include tableside preparation of Cherries Jubilee, Bananas Foster and Strawberries Romanoff.

What did we eat?: What sets Nicki’s apart from other restaurants is its tableside preparation of several dishes. My husband and I love to order the saganaki (Greek flaming cheese, $6.95) and Caesar salad prepared at our table. We started with the saganaki, which is accompanied by fresh, light buns and real butter. The chef rolled up his cooking cart and began the show. A little butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon in a hot pan gets things started, then a thick slab of Greek kasseri cheese is added. The chef then added the brandy and “Opa!” our dish was on fire! The tart cheese was softened perfectly and had a slightly fried crust. Sopping up the juices with the fresh bread was fattening, but delicious.

Next we ordered the chicken lemon (avgolemono) soup, a specialty at Nicki’s. The bowl was filled with bits of chicken and orzo in a creamy broth featuring the tang of lemon.

After a short wait, it was time for our salad course. We ordered the Caesar salad for two ($10.95), also prepared tableside. The cart rolled up again, this time with a giant wooden bowl and all the ingredients to make fresh Caesar dressing — anchovies, garlic, fresh lemons, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worchestershire sauce, coddled egg and more. It’s made to order in front of you, so you can ask to skip the anchovies or add more garlic. For me, it’s not really Caesar salad without the salty hint of anchovy, which is ground with garlic into a fine paste at the bottom of the bowl as the first step. After the dressing is prepared, fresh romaine is added and tossed, then the whole thing is topped with Parmesan cheese. It’s a big portion and I love the freshness of the ingredients blended right in front of you.

I was going with a Greek theme and ordered moussaka as my entree, while Carl ordered another bowl of the chicken lemon soup. He loved it that much. The moussaka, a meat, eggplant and bechamel sauce combination was layered nicely. I loved the way the seasoned meat blended with the fluffy bechamel. Fresh sauteed vegetables were served on the side, seasoned with oregano.

@BR Body bold Lede colon:Do they serve alcohol?: Yes. There is bar area with live music featuring mostly singers and standards — think Bobby Darin singing “Mack the Knife.” .

How was the service?: The service was good and our waiter was friendly and prompt. And, of course, the two chefs who prepared our tableside dishes deserve praise.

How was the décor/cleanliness?: Nicki’s has been around for years and the decor is a bit outdated, but a menu full of classics never grows old.

What was our verdict?: Dinner and a tableside show combined with a coupon I found for $5 off a purchase of $30 or more. What more can you say?