Anatolia Grill and Bar, Turkish Cuisine

Kunefe

15. What's the most popular dish at Anatolia?

We have a very large menu and there are a number of items that are very popular, depending on the person and what they've tried. I'd say that overall the most popular dishes are the Sultan's Delight, the Mixed Grill of kebabs, the Lahmajun and the Manti, which is the name of the Turkish style ravioli.

16. What's the Sultan's Delight?

It's a famous Turkish dish made with pureed, smoked eggplant. We put cheese and tomato sauce on the eggplant and then grilled beef on top of that. It's a great way to try an eggplant dish while also having more familiar elements like the cheese, tomato sauce and meat. Because of the meat being grilled and all the vegetables, it's not only delicious, but it's also very healthy.


Sultan's Delight

17. What's your favorite dish?

It's the Turkish style ravioli. When I was young my mom was always making it for us. It's quite difficult to make so it's not something I would make myself. When I eat the ravioli I think of my mom. I miss her and her style of cooking.

18. Have there been things that have surprised you by their popularity?

Yes! A few months ago we added two seafood dishes, a Sea Bass and Dorado, a fish that comes from the Mediterranean Sea. When we first put them on the menu people wanted to try them because they looked different. Our servers had to warn people that it was the whole fish - head, tail and everything in between, including the bones! For a lot of people, how we serve the fish is very different so I didn't know what reaction to expect. I have been very surprised because people really enjoy the fish and we've not had anyone who's complained about seeing the whole fish on their plate.

I'm also surprised and excited by how popular the Sultan's Delight, Turkish Ravioli and Lahmajun have been. I knew these were really delicious but I've never seen any of these offered anywhere else in Jacksonville and when you put something out you never know how people will react. But I didn't have to be worried because these dishes have become among our most popular, and that makes me very happy!


Dorado

19. You feature a lot of flatbreads. Can you tell us about them?

Yes, we make our flatbreads with a very thin, tortilla crust. We have lots of different toppings such as marinara sauce, shrimp, or chicken. Really, whatever people want. It's meant as a hot appetizer, but it's quite big so some people will order it as an entree for one.

20. What's a Shepherd's Salad?

It's a salad that also goes by the Turkish name of Choban Salad. It's a finely chopped salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, parsley, dill, mint, extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. It's light and refreshing.

21. What's a Beyti Kebab?

It's a kebab made with ground lamb, seasoned with garlic, red peppers, and parsley. It's served wrapped in a tortilla with grilled tomatoes, yogurt and rice. We originally put it on as a special but people liked it so much that we've added it to the regular menu.


Beyti Kebab

22. What's Saganaki?

It's also called The Flaming Cheese! It's a hot appetizer that's Greek in origin. We use brandy to light the cheese on fire at the side of the table. It's quite a show and everyone yells "opa!" It's very fun when someone orders it.

23. What's Kazandibi?

It's a caramelized pudding dessert that's sweet and light. Very delicious.