A Kebab You Never Knew You Were Missing

by Chris Brunsell

Step through the doors of Pera Mediterranean Brasserie and you enter an endearing tale of distant family recipes bringing unique Turkish cuisine from the chopping block of their eastern Mediterranean kitchen to the unsuspecting palates of New York City. Dressed in sharp yet comfortable elegance, Pera provides a culinary experience that could only be brought by years of paying attention to dad’s lifelong passion for producing the finer tastes in life.

Pera brings the time-honored tradition of kebab preparation that is unique to the inner coastal Mediterranean town of Adana, Turkey. This is where co-executive chef, Sezai Celikbas, worked alongside his father preparing kebab meat in a method unique only to that region. By recombining choice cuts of lamb, Sezai’s father was able to create different kebabs that brought a new level of flavor, moisture, and texture.

To experience their signature dishes we ordered the Mixed Grill Platter. Pera’s Signature Fresh Lamb “Adana” was wonderfully seasoned and grilled to perfection. It was distinctly

flavorful, but not overwhelming. Along with the Lamb Loin Brochette, Seasoned Lamb Riblets, and Tender Chicken Brochette the platter succeeded in highlighting the impressive tradition of these chefs’ cooking style and their ability to bring New York a dish that had been previously missing.

I would be amiss to share this food experience without mentioning Pera’s magnificent wine selection and the spectacular presentation of hundreds of bottles lining the walls of the restaurant. For those of you who are getting excited, but not planning on being in the Big Apple soon, Pera has just launched it’s national mail order program. These exceptional meat delicacies can now be ordered online at www.peraonlinestore.com. After personally experiencing this remarkable tale of tradition and food, I wholeheartedly invite you to come and write your own chapter in the book of Pera Mediterranean Brasserie.

Pera Mediterranean Brasserie / 303 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017 / 212 878 6301 / peranyc.com