A Look Into History with Mt. Vernon Triangle’s Ottoman Taverna
Kayseri Mantisi at Ottoman Taverna
Décor, décor, décor! The open space filled with white walls has the opposite effect than it does in someone’s home. In this space, it gives life. Airy and light are the feelings that ran through me the first time I visited Ottoman Taverna. I felt like I was outside of the District where restaurants often paint their walls various colors in hopes of standing out. Ottoman does the opposite with simplicity and a few touches to the furniture that make you want to stay for happy hour and carry that over into dinner.
The owner, Hakan Ilhan, Turkish roots are the inspiration behind every dish you will find on the menu. Of the 20+ restaurants he owns, this one seems to resonate closest to home. The dishes are the traditional classics you will find on any other Turkish menu i.e. hummus, kebabs and grape leaves make the roundup. I, however, appreciate the outside-the-box mentality of the restaurant has where they include non-traditional dishes with traditional spins such as the ravioli, which in Turkish is called Kayseri Mantisi. The drink menu should be your first stop if you have an appreciation for anise, Turkish vodka and/or Mediterranean wines. The bar is only stocked with wines from this region.
They recently launched their weekend brunch, which adds a new flavor to this Mount Vernon neighborhood. I suggest starting with happy hour. If you are feeling the anise and palatial small touches, then you may have found your new stomping grounds.
Category: cultural cooking, restaurant reviews, Reviews, Washington D.C.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.Subscribe
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