So, it’s been a
while…I came to Cambridge over four months ago, and then…life happened. I’ve
provided graphs to sum things up regarding my blog.
I realize the
second graph is rather misleading. It is my attempt to mask my denial and put a
positive spin on the situation.
Since it’s far
too late to detail my experiences chronologically, I will try a different
strategy that should help me keep a more consistent blogging schedule.
Essentially, I am compiling my entries into a glossary based on the letters of
the English alphabet.
Here is my first
entry in this new series on dining spots for which I’ve become somewhat of a
regular.
Anatolia
Anatolia, also
known as Asia minor, makes up most of the Republic of Turkey. I went to this
place for dinner my first night in Cambridge. They serve authentic Turkish
food, and it is more of a fine dining experience than some other places from
which I generally procure food. I’ve tried the chicken kebap, some appetizers,
the hünkar beğendi, and the çöp şiş kebap, which literally means
“trash kebap” but actually refers to chaff, the part of the wheat that is not
harvested (or the male tribute from District 11 in the 75th Hunger
Games, if you’re a fan). In the context of the meal, the “trash” is the wooden
skewer on which the chunks of lamb were traditionally served as street food. I
was quite satisfied with all the options. The hünkar beğendi lamb dish is absolutely delightful and
quite homey.
Cheese pastry and falafel at Anatolia
Agora at the Copper Kettle
This is a fusion
and brunch restaurant by day and Mediterranean restaurant by night. Its
location is optimal for tourists – right across from King’s College Chapel, and
not too far from the Fudge Kitchen, another shop I frequent. The portions at
Agora are reasonable and decently priced. The “Mixed Meze" provides a very
thorough sampling experience, and “Yogurtlu Kebab” is very rich in flavor. The
Indian curry, Moroccan tagine, and English breakfast are all quite tasty as
well.
Indian curry at Agora
Avalanche
This is not
exactly a Turkish café, but it feels a lot like one, and a nice Turkish employee
once gave me a free latte there. The food is mostly brunch and lunch items.
I’ve ordered both versions of the vegetarian English breakfast, which is quite
generous and includes one of the creamiest, richest “regular” coffees I’ve ever
consumed. They also serve omelettes, with chips (read: French fries).
Traditional English breakfast at Avalanche
Aromi
The queue for
this Sicilian café is often quite long. Think Georgetown cupcake, as a friend
of mine recently observed. I got a pizzetta (just the right size for me) and an
extremely rich Italian-style hot chocolate. It sort of congealed into a pudding
after cooling down a bit. Yum.
Pizzetta and hot chocolate at Aromi
To wrap things
up, all of these places provide excellent and varied dining experiences at a
good price. Anatolia is great for dinner, and is also a fine lunch option.
Agora has a a diverse range of choices for any time of day. Avalanche is a very
good place to have a large brunch or lunch. Lastly, Aromi is perfect for an
afternoon coffee and snack or meal.
***
I’d like to make
a shameless but related plug for a video my family and I made just before New
Year’s.
What Does the
Turk Say?
Until next time!
Hopefully, it won’t B too long a wait…
