05/06/2026
Zeynep .alaska was kind enough to invite me to experience what is now my new breakfast obsession, a gorgeously prepared Turkish family-style spread. There was a basket of assorted freshly baked breads (the börek was my favorite), many little dishes of spreads, condiments, and little surprises (like a Turkish candied eggplant!), and impeccably cooked eggs - the poached eggs with garlic yogurt is a standout. Besides being perfect for sharing, which is my favorite way to dine, this food also comes with personal and cultural narrative. Pre-restaurants, Zeynep was a profesor of sociology at UAA and I love hearing her talk about everything from sourcing hard-to-find ingredients to differences in pronunciation to the provenance of certain dishes. It’s a privilege to be able to sit at a table like this and I’m already trying to wrangle an invite to Zeynep’s next trip to Turkey.