Note: Istanbul Grille does accept credit cards, but their machine was down when I was there last week. More on that later...
After putting it off for too long, I went to IG for a breakfast of sorts.
When I strolled in and saw those vertical spits revolving, orange flames caressing the slightly blackened meat, I instinctively knew I would leave satisfied.
When I saw the owner/operator lavishly dress a simple salad with oil and vinegar and season it with a rainbow of spices, tossing and measuring the spices with tongs, I thought to myself, "I chose my meal well."
My morning was made memorable with a chicken gyro salad that was centered around juicy, supple proteins, hearty grains, and tangy greens. My eyes being larger that my belly, I also couldn't resist adding some grape leaves, a salad of julienned carrot and yogurt, and...
"Um. Could you put some Tzatziki sauce on the chicken as well?"
"What? You come to a Turkish restaurant and speak Greek to ME?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, I..."
The man smiles to reveal the put-on, whispering to me, "We call it Cack."
"Ahhh."
"You learned something today, eh?"
The Turk-In-Charge insisted I pay after I ate my meal standing up in front of one of the counters that line the "dining room" (there is no seating). As I ate, a young woman placed a takeout order only to gasp when TIC mentioned that the credit card machine was not working.
"I...have no cash."
"Darling, pay me tomorrow. I trust, I trust."
Thankfully I had a ten-spot on me, and that's all I was charged for such a munificent styrofoam plate of grub.
Go to Istanbul. Leave with a full stomach and a laughing heart.