Get Flavor | State of the Plate: “Mediterranean Cuisine” is a Misnomer

Turkish cuisine may be ready for its closeup on American menus. Chef Musa Daǧdeviren, who owns internationally renowned restaurants in Istanbul, created appealing dishes that drove the point home. His Katikli Dolma, stuffed winter squash rolls with bulgur wheat drizzled with salted yogurt sauce, neatly encapsulated multiple Worlds of Flavor themes.

American operators have begun giving familiar items a Turkish twist. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, a fast-casual chain based in Birmingham, Ala., recently introduced a limited-time Turkish trio, featuring meatballs made with lamb and chargrilled to order. The Turkish Meatball Gyro is wrapped in warm pita, the Turkish Meatball Salad Topper is paired with three signature entrée salads and the Turkish Meatball Feast is topped with rustic tomato sauce, crumbled feta and fresh basil.

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