As I mentioned Friday and Monday, Friday night date night with the boy last week, we decided to try out Bosphorus in Cambridge. I have been wanting to try this place out since I got back from DC last month because I love Turkish food. So in honor of Cinco de Mayo...oh wait, that's a Spanish holiday. Perhaps I should have reviewed a Mexican restaurant for you guys today! Whoops, my bad.
We made a reservation for 7, which we later changed to 6 when the boy got out of work early and had no problem doing so. We were offered our choice of booth or a seat by the window and the staff was very friendly.
The decor inside is maroon and gold with natural wood accents. Simple but lovely. There is a lengthy bar (that was empty) but with only 2 beers on tap, that was to be expected.
I started with a glass of Riesling, not really because I wanted it but more because it was date night and I felt the need to be fancy. My fanciness wore off as soon as the boy ordered a soda after I ordered my wine. So much for romance ;)
The waitstaff brought out complimentary hot pita bread and a roasted red pepper dipping sauce that was quite good, albeit a little spicy for me. The boy gave it two thumbs up though.
We decided to get two appetizers. We started with the Cacik (yogurt mixed with diced cucumber, dill, herbs, garlic, and drizzled olive oil). You may remember this as the dip I was drooling over from Agora.
It was not as good here, but still delicious. I must must must make this at home. And eat it three meals a day. For our second appetizer, we went with the Borek, which is phyllo dough stuffed with your choice of feta cheese, spinach, or beef. We decided to get two of the feta cheese and two of the spinach. The spinach was excellent (especially dipped in the cacik...as you can see since only one of the spinach ones made it to the photo). The feta cheese one was good as well, but if I were ordering this for myself, I would have gone with all spinach.
For my entree I ordered the Mixed Kebab with lamb, beef, and chicken with a side of rice pilaf and sauteed vegetables. I thought the pilaf was amazing, as were the vegetables (except for the carrots, which I picked out). The kebabs were very juicy and tender, cooked to perfection.
For dessert I went with the safe choice of the baklava since the boy seemed a little bit afraid of the other more out-of-the-box choices they had on the menu. I figured I couldn't go wrong with the baklava. He didn't really like it, but I actually thought it was the best baklava I've ever had. Take my word, not his, he doesn't know good food.
To polish off the meal, I ordered a Turkish coffee. Don't be fooled by the picture, it actually comes in an espresso-sized cup. I loved the cup and matching spoon, but apparently these cannot be bought anywhere around me :( The coffee was strong like espresso and had a dark smoky flavor that I loved. A perfect end to the meal.
I really enjoyed Bosphorus. The boy was not crazy about it, but if you love Mediterranean/Turkish food, I highly recommend trying it.
Have you ever tried Turkish coffee? Do you like espresso after your meal like I do?
