"T" is for Turkish

This Alphabet Eats experience was to be a little different. Two visitors to our town (one Dutchman and one semi- expat) treated your bloggers to a night out however the proviso was that they would choose the "T" for us. Always the risk-takers, your bloggers took a step back and let them decide the cuisine and the venue.

116-136 Cecil St, South Melbourne

Despite it being a warm balmy night in Melbourne, the Alphabet Eaters opted for the air-conditioning instead of the outside table. Melbourne was in the midst of what was to be a 3 day melting pot so relief was welcomed.

How long do 5 people really need to decide on their menu choices? When participating in alphabet eating, the rules often need to be reminded and/or reviewed which is often challenging. 
To share or to order solo is always debated. The outcome is always the same however the discussion process always occurs.


This discussion did take place however over a jug of PIMMS and a couple of Turkish beers which perhaps prolonged the decision making.

First up was a dip platter with fresh Turkish bread.
It's gotta be said that no matter what the cuisine, a dip platter is always a winner. Mr X did make his usual observation that the dips always outlast the bread.

It was noted that the menu provided attractions for differing palettes. The two carnivores were obviously attracted to the meat platter: Karışık Izgara: Mixed grill of lamb, chicken, swordfish, Izmir köfte & sucuk sausage, served w rice & salad.

Our overseas guests however felt that the salad was average and that the meat platter was not in the same league as a typical seafood platter in terms of quantity.

  The omnivores were ready to spread their wings and enjoy what was on offer so selected the following dishes to share:    

Iskender – Traditional dish 
of sliced lamb baked w Turkish bread, red sauce & garlic yoghurt

• 
  

    Izmir Köfte- Handmade Turkish ravioli filled 

    w minced meat topped w yogurt & paprika sauce

     

       Mantı- Slow cooked meatballs w potato & sweet peppers in a tomato & herb stew, served w rice & yogurt 

Despite the waitress warning the diners that they were ordering a "lot of food", their hearty appetites and commitment to the task ahead saw empty plates at the end.
All agreed that the experience missed the "something" that would have made it outstanding.

Our guest scorers:

Scores:              Ms C                Mr P

Ambience            7                     7

Parking               9                     9

Service               6                     8

Value                 7                     7

Food                  7                     7

Total – 74

How did they match up to the alphabet-eats bloggers?

Scores:              Ms X                Mr X

Ambience            4                     6

Parking               9                     7

Service               8                     7

Value                 7                     7

Food                  7                     6

Total – 68

Gee Mr and Ms X are tough critics!

P.S. If you need to use the bathroom, it's off to the market you go.

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