I'm a huge fan of Mediterranean food, but most of the cuisine I've had is more Italian or Greek inspired. However, when my sister visited my aunt and uncle in New York this past spring, she went to Turkish Kitchen and can't stop wishing we had one of these restaurants here in Washington. She says this cozy little red restaurant is always packed. There's two stories with a bright martini bar right when you walk in. It's dimly lit with small spotlights placed perfectly above to light up bright neon martini glasses. According to my sister, the lights made the glassware seem as if they were lighting up from within. The ambiance is warm and romantic with dark red and blue accents.

The food is what my sister remembers the best: mashed eggplant blended with herbs, chick peas and tahini paste, chargrilled ground lamb seasoned with Turkish spices, and boneless cornish hen with zuchini pancakes. My sister is a huge fan of homemade yogurt sauce but was surprised to discover that they add mint and dill to their house yogurt sauce.

The last time i was in New York I wasn't old enough to appreciate the fine cuisine that New York City has to offer, but now Turkish Kitchen is on the top of my list of places to visit when I go back.