Chef serenades customers at Mediterranean eatery

Since Troy opened Sept. 8 at the corner of Mesa Drive and Spicewood Springs Road, customers have come in to play music, eat Turkish foods and listen to chef Nuri Eren sing to diners.

Owner Nazmi Eren said the community has responded positively to his restaurant, which can seat 45 people, and was renovated by Nazmi. The friendliness and welcoming nature of Northwest Austin residents, he said, is what drew him to open a restaurant in the area. The safe neighborhood is another reason why he chose the location, he said.

"In this neighborhood people really care about each other," he said.

Troy's menu includes gyros, kebabs and entree plates, which are all served with salad, rice, Turkish tea and dessert. Entree plates include the diner's choice of meat, such as chicken; doner, which is grilled meat; and kofke, or ground beef. When customers ask for recommendations, Nazmi said he frequently suggests items that are not on the menu, such as Mediterranean salad and cacik, which is a sauce containing cucumber, garlic and yogurt.

Nazmi said he aims to provide Turkish hospitality to all of his customers and wants to appeal to their senses of smell, taste and sound. In the future he said he hopes to offer more live entertainment during dinner. In December the restaurant will welcome a third Turkish chef, Gurgor Davarci, who is Nuri's wife.

Troy, 8105 Mesa Drive., Ste. A, 310-773-8162, www.facebook.com/troy.restaurantaustin, Hours: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. daily