My Most Memorable Meal

My most memorable meal

In USA, one can eat every type of cuisine: Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Greek, and the list is endless. One could include all the known countries in the world. Most of these meals are authentic as they are made by immigrants. In China Town of Los Angeles, one can savor Yum Cha. In Little Italy of Cleveland, one can relish the real McCoy: sphagetti with tomato sauce made by a non-English speaking grandmother. However, what is missing is an important ingredient: the environment.

I have been fortunate to enjoy international meals in their natural habitat. Therein lies the difference. I have experienced meals in different countries. Kleftico is a Cypriot dish made in traditional clay ovens. On a beach in Larnaca, with local wine, it is divine. Roasted local pork in Masai, Kenya, is outstanding. Koshari, the Egyptian national meal, while watching a belly-dance on the Nile is worth remembering. Mousaka in Athens is a great memory. Tapas on Ramblas Street in Barcelona is worth an encore. Pizza is Naples (and nearby Capri) is just great.

But one meal stands out: Kebabs in Istanbul. Turkey has a great history. All of us loved Brad Pitt in Troy. But, besides the Greek history in Turkey and the succulent peach gardens, the meal is the best that I ever had. It was a not too famous restaurant at Taksim Square (the site of recent riots). It is Medi Sark Sofrasi. If you want to experience heaven, have kebabs with the youghurt drink called Arias. My dream : fly to Istanbul, take a cab to this restaurant, revisit heaven and fly back.