Turkuaz: Best Turkish in town

After filling up on leftovers from last night, I thought it fitting to write up a review of the best Turkish food I've found in manhattan. Turkuaz, located at 100th and Broadway, offers traditional cuisine and a wonderful setting to eat it in. To begin, turkish flatbread is served with a carrot & yogurt dipping sauce while you study the menu. Meals are best appreciated by sampling both hot and cold appetizers (all of which are sensational) and following them up with some kebabs (the Iskender Kebab is the best). The restaurant itself is adorned in fabric. On weekend nights, when the scene becomes fancier, I've found my nook at the lantern lit tables by the bar. Its a great way to escape the $20 per person minimum, and still enjoy the flavors of the full menu. Weeknight or end, you can always make a fabulous meal for two or a few, out of shared appetizers and a kebab platter.

Recommended eats:
**we haven't tried everything, and there are no doubt many other pleasures to be found on the menu. These are just a few of our favorites that we crave nearly all the time**

Cold appetizers:
Imam Bayildi: a grilled baby eggplant stuffed with onions, tomatoes, red & green peppers, currants, pinenuts, and other goodies
Haydari: thickened yogurt with lots of garlic and dill is a nice compliment to any of the dishes
Dolmas: stuffed grape leaves

Hot appetizers:
Mucver: Fried zucchini pancakes, served with garlic yogurt
Sigara Boregi: Crispy Cheese Filled pastries

Entrees:
Iskender Kebap: Thinly sliced grilled lamb, on a bed of toasted pita, tomatoes & garlic yogurt

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Turkuaz is located on the Upper West Side, at 100th and Broadway.
Moderately priced, and worth every dime.