Café Istanbul

Although Girgin’s English is limited, Saydam said language has not been a barrier when it comes to serving their guests. Originally from Corum, Turkey, Girgin’s family has a long history of preparing and cooking authentic Turkish food. His great-grandfather was a chef in the Ottoman Empire palace, Saydam said.

“[Erol] learned a lot from his father, who learned a lot from his father.”

—Khany Saydam, Café Istanbul manager

Girgin sees his restaurants as a way of leaving his own legacy for his family and other passionate chefs around the world, Saydam said.

“[Erol] learned a lot from his father, who learned what he knew from his father. [Now], our chefs know they have to prepare the best Ottoman dishes,” he said.

Turkish cuisine originated from the days of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the Arab world for some 700 years. The area known as Turkey today combines traditional flavors of its neighboring countries, making Turkey a culinary melting pot of sorts.From lean cuts of lamb to seafood, such as tilapia and salmon, Turkish food is also gentle on the stomach, Girgin said.

[caption id="attachment_153536" align="alignright" width="215"] The restaurant’s baklava ($6.95) is made with layers of buttery dough and topped with syrup.[/caption]

The restaurant imports many of its products from Turkey, including fruit juices and baklava. Its bread is made in-house and all the ingredients are bought fresh, Saydam said. Coffee is also very important in Turkey.

The Turkish word “breakfast” actually means “under coffee,” Saydam said. “You are having breakfast and later you are drinking coffee. You are eating something because of coffee. That’s why you are having breakfast,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_153537" align="alignright" width="215"] Customers can order a split order of hummus and babaganoush ($7.95) as an appetizer.[/caption]

The two men hope to one day start a chain of similar authentic Turkish restaurants across the country. When asked what inspires him most, Girgin said it is his customers, Saydam said. Both men enjoy reflecting true Turkish culture in the U.S.—Girgin even likes to think of himself as an ambassador for his country—and hope they can inspire others to learn all cultures of the world, Khany said.

“[Girgin] said, ‘When I look at people and they are eating the dishes I’ve put on the menu and they are smiling without any reason, this is the most inspiring to me,’” Saydam said.