alaturka or a la turka - a tasty treat

[larochelle]

Last night, we found ourselves in the area so we stopped in at alaturka for dinner. The atmosphere has improved as over time they have attempted to make the dining area less cold and more cozy. Service was good. The total for 2 people (without tip & with leftovers) was $50.

We had:
Basket of hot bread straight from the oven.
21. Patucan Biber Kizartma - fried eggplant and green pepper served with red house sauce garlic and yogurt 4.75
54. Combo Grill Meat Platter - lamb sish, kofte, doner and beef sish 12.75
55. Falafel Platter - with hummus, tahini sauce and salad 8.75
74. Kadayif shredded pastry with walnut 3.50
75. Sutlac rice, sugar, milk cooked and baked in the oven 4.50
2 beers
2 turkish coffees

The Patucan, Grilled Meat Platter and the Sultac were the stand out dishes.

The Patucan hot appetizer was wonderful. It was sooo good that my husband raved - "This is so satisfying!" and this from a man who often says about vegetarian dishes "this would be incredible with sausage on top". The grilled meat platter which was quite lovely came with rice and the house yogurty dipping sauce. The Falafel platter was good but not distinguished. The Kadayif was okay. The Sutlac was very good although I wish it was served warm instead of cold.

We ordered way too much food. In the future, we'll order the Patucan, one platter and one dessert. Although I hear the pides are very good.

I wish it were closer to my house or work or was in a better transit corridor. We'll definitely go back.

http://www.alaturcasf.com/Menu.html

[lemonfaire]

I went there recently with a couple Turkish friends who adore the place. Since I let the boys order, I think we ended up a little meat-heavy (and some of the meat was a bit dry). If I could do it over again, I would order my beloved eggplant. The appetizer combo we had was delish, though.

We ended the evening with Turkish coffee and my friend Okan did the whole reading the coffee grounds thing. He looked at my cup and professed to tell me my future. His words: "I see a beautiful woman, but she is fat."

God love Turkish men and their subtlety. I guess Okan's just watching out for me and my sweet tooth.

[Robert Lauriston]

I love that place. Thai House Express across the intersection is the same kind of amazing quality for ridiculously cheap.

It's right on the Geary bus line and two blocks from Van Ness, so easy transit from some parts of the city.