A melting pot of different cultures and languages, New York is an ethnic and culinary paradise for anyone interested in a multi-cultural lifestyle. This diverse city feels like home to many immigrants, including the thousands of New Yorkers who are from Turkey.Most likely, you are aware of Turkey’s famous international brands such as Turkish Airlines (remember their commercial featuring Kobe Bryant and Lionel Messi?), or its popular drinks such as Turkish coffee, which is so much stronger than the strongest espresso. However, you are probably not aware of the following remarkable New Yorkers of Turkish origin: America’s #1 doctor, Dr. Mehmet Oz; Vahap Avsar, co-founder of the popular Williamsburg-based clothing line Brooklyn Industries; founder of the billion dollar business Chobani Greek yogurt (which is actually quite similar to Turkish strained yogurt), Hamdi Ulukaya; and Ersin Akarlılar, owner of Mavi Jeans – a brand of denim jeans available at Nordstrom.If you are looking for some Turkish gems to fill your every sense in the Big Apple, then read on…
Eating A La Turka
When needing to plan that power lunch with clients, Pera Mediterranean Brasserie (303 Madison Avenue near 41st Street) is in a convenient location and is a good business dining option. For the most savory house made bread, head either to A La Turka, or the family-owned Sahara’s Turkish Cuisine. The long craved Turkish bagels known as simit in Turkish are finally available in town thanks to Simit & Smith which opened earlier this year.For sublime mezes (small dishes), Beyoglu (1431 3rd Avenue at 81st Street) is a personal favorite, which boasts a beautiful fireplace in winter, and sidewalk dining in summer. Sip Sak (928 Second Avenue at 49th Street), meaning “fast” or “instant” in Turkish, and Peri Ela (1361 Lexington Ave at 91st Street), named after the owner’s two daughters, are also oases for Turkish meze lovers. Also on the East Side are Ali Baba (212 East 34th Street) best known for its meat-based selections, and Turkish Kitchen (386 Third Ave, between 27th and 28th) whose buffet style Sunday brunch is perfect for introducing anyone to Turkish cuisine. Housed in a converted garage in SoHo filled with old-fashioned furniture and mirrors is Antique Garage (41 Mercer Street), another not-to-miss dining experience. Its large communal table (where I had my bridal shower) is great for hosting large groups.If you’re thinking of ordering a birthday cake for someone special, or love Turkish pastries, especially baklava, Gulluoglu (982 Second Avenue at 52nd Street) is great for to-go orders. For equally tasty treats and sweets, Istanbul Borek (655 Palisade Avenue, Cliffside Park) offers a pretty wide selection as well.Definitely worth going for a lounge feel and late night snacks is West Village’s wine bar Turks & Frogs – its hot sandwiches are the best! (323 West 11th Street). Also, TurKiss (104 MacDougal Street) and Bereket (187 East Houston Street) are a perfect fit for street-style food after a long night of drinking. My go-to place for a late lunch is Lokal (905 Lorimer Street) along McCarren Park in Brooklyn, another great spot for Mediterranean fare.
Grocery Shopping Turkish Style
A million options abound for those interested in buying Turkish grocery and food items like Turkish feta cheese, flat bread, ayran (yogurt drink), and yufka (phyllo dough). Most of them are located in Queens or New Jersey such as the Turkiyem (31-4631- Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside), or Nizam markets (608 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park). Straight from the Market is a very satisfying alternative if you are looking for something in Manhattan (408 East 92nd Street). And if you are one of the millions of people who prefer to shop online, Tulumba, America’s largest Turkish online store will be sure not to disappoint.
Pop & Pretty Things
A hidden gem in the heart of Chelsea on 24th street is the Turkish-owned C24 gallery which focuses on international contemporary art, including Turkey. Tucked away in Spring Street, SoHo, is Atelier Minyon – an exquisite Turkish jewelry boutique that will blow you away with its selection of handmade jewelry crafted in house by its handsome owner. Lovers of Balkan and Mediterranean music will enjoy the nightclub scene at Drom owned by Turkish graphic designer and presenter Serdar Ilhan, and his partner musician Mehmet Dede, who co-produce the Istanbulive concert series at Central Park Summerstage Festival and the New York Gypsy Festival year after year. If you are interested in discovering new things to do, you might consider an art class by New York-based Turkish artist Bingul Sevimli who teaches Turkish ebru – a decorative paper art and one of the oldest Turkish arts. She also owns Radio Turkum, America’s one and only Turkish radio station.
Turkish Culture in NYC
For the best of Turkish culture in New York including book talks, movies, art & design shows, and concerts, The American Turkish Society offers a wide selection of events each year, including a design exhibition in spring and a film festival in winter. Its gala fundraiser is subtly regarded as the Oscars of the Turkish business world given some very esteemed and high caliber leaders who have been honored over the years. The organization also offers small grants and scholarships for innovative artists and educators interested in Turkey.Tourism and Commercial offices of the Turkish Consulate-General in New York, and Federation of Turkish-American Associations are other helpful resources for Turkish citizens or internationals with inquires relating to visa, travel, and employment. Turkish entrepreneurs interested in starting up new ventures in the US would benefit greatly from mentorship offered by resident experts of ER Accelerator co-managed by a successful Turkish investor.A Saturday school called Ataturk School hosts classes for dozens of Turkish children, thus enabling a full day of cultural immersion in Turkish art, history, music and language. For a list of other Turkey-related organizations in the US, the Turkish Embassy provides useful information.For more information you may contact the author at deekayalar@hotmail.com or on Twitter @dee118E.