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| - First the decor - if you didn't see the menu and couldn't smell the mesmerizing turkish food being cooked in the kitchen, you wouldn't guess that this is a turkish eatery. I like the unique take on modernistic decor with hints of turkish culture via patterned carpets hanging on the walls (traditional turkish patterns weaved in of course). Although we sat at a cozy table by the nook of the steps leading upto the main dining area from the bar, the interior space seemed very open and airy. There was a small party room and small tables along a corridor.
Second the drinks - I took the queue from my good yelp friend Rachel and tried the Fire Orchid flavored soda ( I couldn't find this flavor on their menu ) but I was very glad to have tried it. Ask for two shots of the syrup, one just isn't enough for this flavor. We also had their Grand Bazaar ( a concoction of Orange Vodka, Triple Sec, Orange Juie & Sprite) it went down smooth and very fast actually. This one is a must try for me the next time I'm in.
Third the service - Our waitress was very courteous and she was always at an ear shot distance. She was attentive and stopped by just when we needed her. When I requested a second shot of flavor in my Fire Orchid drink she happily and excitedly took the drink back and even topped it up. This was a very attentive gesture in my perspective. There was not a slight hint of hesitation. The service was just right for our visit.
Fourth the food - Now this is the shinning star of Istanbull Grill. We started with their Baba Gannush - their preparation of this common appetizer was just the right amount of eggplant & tahini mixture. Some places either put too much eggplant or too little. Istanbul seems to have gotten this mix correct. The pita bread served with it were piping hot & soft (sign of freshly baked goodness) which we had two baskets. You can neve have enough fresh pita. This was accompanied by their Red Lentil Soup - I could not speak as I had this soup, only because it was as good as your turkish grandmother's recipe. I have yet to try a red lentil soup better than this in Cleveland area. For our entree - we had the Okra Stew - unfortunately I found this item in need of some improvement - the stew was a little too overwhelmed by cumin almost someone wasn't paying attention to the portion required. Although it was still edible, the after-taste of each bite of this was a little unpleasant. The second entree we had - Chicken Adana Kebap - was well worth the trip to Istanbul Grill. This kebap of ground chicken, red bell peppers and parsley grilled & served with rice, marinated onions was full of taste and flavor. This dish did not disappoint our taste buds and left was wanting more. Even as it arrived at our table, the smell of this dish shifted our tastebuds to high gear.
Instanbul Grill is a must visit again and again for me. Not only because of its good service, and great food but also for the variety it offers that makes me want to go back today and try more. I just have to watch my weight :-)
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