Taksim

1030 2nd Ave. (btwn 54th & 55th)
New York, NY 10079
(212) 421-3004
www.taksim.us

Turkish food is delish. Lamb, spices, hummus, falafel... what's not to love? Taksim's a wonderful restaurant. A Turkish Delight indeed, Edmund, but this one won't get you in trouble. It's a fairly small restaurant - perfect place to bring 2 or 3 of your friends for a casual, reasonably priced Midtown dinner.

Foodnalysis:

Free Bread - Free. What a glorious word, particularly to eatcheaplyists like yourself. The bread at Taksim is great! Flakey, light, perfect for dipping in...

Tarama (aka Taramosalata) - a salty, smooth Greak spread traditionally made from carp roe, mashed potato or bread crumbs, lemon juice and olive oil. The first time I tried Tarama I thought it was much too salty, however it has proved itself to be quite the acquired taste. A recommended appetizer that compliments the endless bread. Give it a try. Taksim's cacik and stuffed cabbage leaves are also great starters.

Borek - Essentially a Turkish egg roll filled with feta cheese. Tasty, but not the best appetizer for the price.

Lamb Shank - Tender, boneless lamb with eggplant and tomato sauce, served over rice. Quite possibly the best item on the menu (see FN1). This is a good pick -- flavorful and filling.

Adana Kebab Sandwich - If you're deciding between Chicken and Lamb, you clearly did not read the aforementioned footnote. EAT LAMB. You can choose between a platter option served with rice pilaf or, for $3 less, a "sandwich" (read: wrap) option. Well-seasoned meat with Turkish red pepper, onions and tomatoes wrapepd in a large tortilla... mmmm. Here's an tip: fill up on the bread and take half of the wrap to work for lunch. How's that for economical!? I've kindly tested this method for your in advance and can honestly say the wraps passed the decent-leftover test with flying colors.

Footnote 1: It's rather unwise (read: insanely stupid) to go to a Turkish restaurant and not order lamb. Don't do it.

Salary and Wages:

Courteous and attentive staff. Not put-off by constant bread and water requests: definitely a bonus.

Property, Plant and Equipment:

Small but not cramped. Clean, not too loud, a nice atmosphere for a laid back dinner. The type of place to bring your buddy, not your boss.

Statement of Cash Flows:

Reasonable, if not a deal for the area. Almost all the appetizers are $5. Main dishes are $12 (with the exception of the $16 lamb shank), lamb and chicken sandwich/wraps were $9.

The Bottom Line:

Tarama + Lamb = Yum.