Hungry Travels

The worst thing I can say about Turkish Cuisine Westchester? The name’s not going to win any awards for originality.  Sounds more like a Google search than the name of a restaurant…

But that’s really not important; what is important is that there’s a new Turkish restaurant in White Plains, and it’s solid. Very solid.

The restaurant’s only a month old; they don’t have a sign yet, so look for the black awning with the #116 (about a block down from Iron Tomato).

Inside is a clean establishment with rotating spits of meat near the front window (if that doesn’t lure you in, I don’t know what will).  There are a few tables in the back and some seats at the counter, but takeout might be the better option when it gets crowded.  Looks like a family-run place; the staff were friendly and cheerful, chatting with some of the customers like they were regulars.  One older gentleman walked in and sat down at the counter.  He asked about a few dishes, mentioned that he’d enjoyed his last visit, and then I don’t even think he ordered anything — the restaurant just brought him out whatever they recommended.

I should have followed his lead because I had a hard time deciding… salads, falafel, grape leaves, hummus, babaganoush, kebabs… it all sounded good!

This lentil soup surprised me — it was smooth and creamy, more like a bisque than the chunky lentil soup I’m used to.  I think I still prefer more texture to my soup, but the taste was great.

Adana Kebab — grilled seasoned ground lamb with rice and a side salad:

With mouth watering, I watched (and smelled) the meat flaming up on the grill.  The kebab was well seasoned with garlic and spices, slightly charred on the outside (see those gorgeous char marks?), and incredibly juicy.  The salad doesn’t look like much, but the refreshing tang of the dressing and red onions was the perfect counter to the savory meat.

While the kebab grilled, I eyed the tray of homemade baklava sitting on the counter.  ”I’ll take one,” I said.  ”One order?” the woman behind the counter responded.  Oh sure, why not.

How come these days when you buy baklava, they make you order several pieces instead of allowing you to buy just one? This happened to me at Yaranush too.  When did this shift in baklava protocol take place?  Not that I’m complaining — these are marvelous baklava.

I’m curious to hear what you think of the place.  I’m no expert on Turkish cuisine (the genre of food, not the restaurant — see, that name is awkward!), but to me this was a damn fine meal.

Turkish Cuisine Westchester
116 Mamaroneck Ave.
White Plains, NY
914-683-6111