Efes, Sanford - Closed

Last Friday I had dinner at this new Turkish restaurant in the Marina. I have to begin by stating that I don't think it will a success any more than any of its predecessors. And the issue is price. They price like a fine French restaurant and Middle Eastern food can be made with a camp fire and a stick. It's shepard food. The lowest priced entrees were $15. Some items broke $30. This is just too much for the neighborhood and a cuisine that is peculiar to an American palette.

Now for the review. I had Adana Kebab made of ground chicken for $17. I think Adana's are supposed to be a bit more spiced than the Kafte Kebab I think I got in it's place. What can I say about it? It was two skewers of a flattened, meatloaf like, kabob. No real taste. It came with white rice (overcooked) and piles of pickled cabbage, carrots and one other (I forget). I'm never sure what to do with these after thoughts. Do I mix them in? Do I use to cleans my palette? They aren't really necessary for either and they come in such big quantities that you feel bad for leaving them uneaten. The service was good. I had barely any time and they got me in and out. There was some unpleasantness getting a seat (tried to usher me to the bar in an empty restaurant and sat me under a dripping pipe). But, once I ordered it was fine. They even gave my some Turkish delight on the way out. The place is mostly like it was under the old establishment (Italian place). I think they painted the trim black and changed the seats. It looks nice. It's on the water (swamp but it's the best the area can do). I think I overheard the owner saying she started Bosphorous in Winter Park. It seats about 40 on the patio and 60 inside. I just don't see a bunch of Crackers and Retirement Home customers paying these prices. I saw a couple look at the menu and leave. Maybe it was the type of food. Maybe it was the prices. I just think that's a deadly combination. I hope it's not. But, I wouldn't go back unless the have a $7 lunch special like at Anatolia's.