Ahmet's Turkish Restaurant
This time, it was my boss (George) and the NZ IS Manager (Alan) up for nearly a week - so, again, another excuse to have a beer or two and enjoy a nice meal. So... this time at the selection of my boss... Turkish.
Ambience
Just across the road from Southbank, but still pretty nice. Inside was "standard" OTT turkish decor, outside was standard sidewalk cafe fair. We sat outside so that my boss could smoke (I keep telling him that smoking will kill him, but he never listens).
Food
Having never had turkish food before, I didn't know what to expect, other than a proper kebab and some pretty nice bread. We got all that and more...
Started with a shared plate of 6 dips with some hot turkish bread. The only stipulation on choice of dips: there had to be a hommus, other than that, surprise us. We ended up with hommus, carrot, beetroot, hot & spicy, zeytun (olive), & spinach - this kept the three of us busy for a decent period of time. Each dip was a surprise in itself. The zeytun, carrot and beetroor dips were the highlight for me... just plain yummy.
Mains were a varied affair (only in what was served, not in quality or quantity). I enjoyed completely the Osmanli Pide, with turkish salami, beef with sweet chili, spices and cheese. Oh, yum (my mouth is watering now just thinking about it). Alan really enjoyed the Sultan's Delight (marinated lamb, tomato & sweet chili served on eggplany puree), and George tucked into the Mixed Izgara (turkish mixed grill). By the complete lack of conversation during the meal, the mains were of a comparative quality to the entree.
Desert was turkish baklava & some real turkish delight. Both were yum, although I wasn't ready for the over the top sweetness of the baklava (VERY sweet - lots of honey).
We ended the night each with a shot of a turkish spirit (can't remember the name). It hit home pretty quick... just as well I hadn't drunk very much as I was driving!
Service
Probably the only thing that let it down in the end - the young gents that served us kinda new the menu, but kinda didn't, and weren't very helpful when it came to helping us three decide what to eat. They did OK, but nothing special.
End Result
Ambience - 3/5
Nothing special outside, inside maybe moreso. It was actually pretty interesting listening to the varying progress of the blind date going on behind me!... ;)
Food - 4/5
Best that I have had out since I started blogging on this. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the menu will allow for that (in that you can easily avoid something spicy of you are not that way inclined). All food was hot, fresh and extremely tasty.
Service - 2.5/5
The wait staff could smile more, remebering that they aren't just there to collect a wage.
Overall - 9.5/15
Having never eaten turkish before, I did't know what to expect. I was very plesantly surprised. Would love to go back, if I can convince Michelle... although from the atmosphere inside, it would be best to go with a group on a Friday/Saturday night when they have belly dancing...
Ahmet's Turkish Restaurant
Shop 10/164 Grey St Southbank BRISBANE Qld 4101
(07) 3846 6699
