With its stunning outlook towards Rangitoto Island, and the warm waters of the Hauraki gulf winking lazily back at you, Bodrum Kitchen is really a rather special place – and seemed an ideal choice for a meal with mum.
Bodrum Kitchen opened its doors in October 2018, offering an authentic selection of Turkish and Greek cuisine, and is increasingly popular with locals and visitors alike for all day dining.
There’s a lovely Mediterranean feel as you walk in from either entrance on Clyde Road or Beachfront Lane. Take a moment to enjoy the décor and attention to detail, from the colourful Turkish chandeliers to the unique glassware with the “Turkish blue eye”. Legend has it that the Evil Eye is a curse cast with a malevolent glare when you are not watching, and so, least expecting it. The blue eye symbol is therefore used as a talisman to protect you from people who wish you harm.
Rest assured, there are enough talismans around the restaurant so that you can relax and let your guard down in an environment free from malevolent glares!
We were greeted by the charming Apeksha, one of the three co-owners, and shown to our table. We chose to sit inside in a quiet corner with a nice view of the restaurant and patrons, so that we could have a good mum and daughter chat. We took in the drinks menu, and although briefly captivated by the cocktail choices, we skipped onto the wine list and selected a Squealing Pig, Central Otago rosé ($10.50) and a genuine Italian Mionetto Prosecco ($11) both by the glass.
There are plenty of non-alcoholic options and mocktails, as well as traditional Turkish Efes beer by the bottle and Estralla on tap, along with a variety of local and imported beer and wines to please the palate.
The lunch and brunch menu features all day breakfast, and the Mediterranean selection didn’t disappoint with plenty of traditional Turkish and Greek dishes to choose from.
The creamy mushroom with blue cheese on ciabatta had my mouth watering on the breakfast menu; I will definitely have to try that one Sunday morning! Instead I chose the fattoush salad ($25) with pomegranate vinaigrette and candied walnuts – delicious! I chose the pulled lamb with this, although I was tempted to go vegetarian and have the grilled halloumi. The lamb was full of flavour, tender and a very generous helping.
For mum, Apeksha recommended the “Breakfast in Turkey” ($26) which was attractively displayed on a wooden platter and offered a colourful selection of lightly baked eggs, meatballs, feta, olives, cucumber and tomatoes, served with Turkish pide bread. Mum quickly declared it to be “scrumptious” and very authentic, and she particularly enjoyed the fig mascarpone with berry compote.
Mum finished off with a Turkish coffee, both strong and sweet, and I enjoyed a pot of Moroccan mint tea and divinely syrupy side of baklava – because life is too short not to enjoy a little treat.
by Kim Taylor
Yummy for Mother’s Day – and for any other occasion too!
