Turkuaz for Catering

Several graduates had the culinary pleasure of having their parties catered by Turkuaz Cafe this past weekend. Me? I stopped in on Saturday afternoon to beat the rush and enjoyed a falafel plate accompanied by fresh and delicious homemade hummus, pita, rice and tabouleh.

Owner Ibrahim Tabanca has been whipping up Turkish and Mediterranean food at Turkuaz for well over a year now out on Highway 6W at the Rebel Paintball and Mini Golf Entertainment Complex (yes, there’s mini golf there now, too).

The menu offers something for everyone–whether you’re a carnivore, herbivore, love a strong cup of Turkish coffee or have a craving for something sweet. Seating is al fresco on a covered patio and payments are cash only, so don’t bother bringing your card. Turkuaz Cafe is open Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information, check out the Cafe’s Facebook page here. Special requests are always given consideration; just ask.

How Green Are You?

By now I’m sure you’ve noticed that it’s been Green Week since Monday here in Oxford. Time to take stock of your impact on the environment. This means more than recycling a couple of cans and magazines; it also comes down to what you’re eating and where you’re obtaining your food. How often do you shop the Farmer’s Market? How much meat do you eat in any given week?

The Farmer’s Market, which is in full swing again, is a great place to start your shopping. Stocking up on fruits and vegetables that are in season and fresh from the grower is one of the best ways to buy local and support your community while being earth-friendly. There are also a multitude of farms in the area where you can find additional produce, dairy and meat before resorting to the large grocery stores that have products shipped in from across the country. Check out the site FarmtoMenu.com to find out about local farms and the Oxford restaurants that support them.

Melanie Addington had a very informative article in the Oxford Eagle on Monday about eating green. Something as simple as cutting down on the amount of animal products we eat can reduce methane gas emissions, hundreds of gallons of water and many other harmful gases that are produced with animal-based agriculture. Meg Shannon, who organizes monthly vegetarian potlucks, says that giving up even one pound of beef saves as much water as if you stopped showering for six months!

Some Oxford restaurants have started offering meat-free options, but many still haven’t jumped on the bandwagon. If you’re attempting to have a meat-free night out (perhaps to support Green Week), you’re often left with the choice of french fries and salad (hold the bacon). I believe that savvy restaurateurs who include enticing meat-free options when putting together their menus reap the rewards from that decision. There are more vegetarians and “part-time vegetarians” in Oxford than many realize.

If you’re looking to celebrate Green Week by avoiding meat for a meal or two, some restaurants that are already offering meat-free options include:

• Yocona in Exile (the rotating menu always includes a vegetarian option)
• Honey Bee Bakery (daily menu always features an herbivore soup and entree option)
• Taqueria el Milagro (menu has a vegetarian section)
• Boure (mushroom melt – lunch)
• Tallulah’s Kitchen (black bean burger)
• Ravine (vegetarian pasta of the day)
• Waltz on the Square (baked ziti)
• The Bungalow (portabella sandwich)
• Red House (ultimate grilled cheese)
• Frank & Marlee’s (veggie burger)
• Newk’s (tomato basil soup and pizzas)
• Oby’s (veggie po-boy and wrap)
• Bangkok Thai (several options)
• Two Stick (several options)
• Kabuki (several options)
• Maharaja Indian Cuisine (many options)
• Turkuaz Cafe (falafel)
• The Deli News (The Appeal)
• Blind Pig (vegetarian po-boy)
• Parrish’s (black bean wrap)
• Taylor’s Pub (black bean chipotle veggie burger)
• Mink’s On the Park (The Southern Star)

For more information on Green Week, check out the dedicated website here.

A Holiday Gift to Oxford Vegetarians

After receiving an email from a concerned Oxford consumer about the unexpected addition of bacon in her salad while dining in a new restaurant in Oxford, I thought I’d address the diverse eating habits here in town. As someone with several friends who have lessened–or stopped altogether–their consumption of meat, I have observed restaurants that accommodate these special diets as well as those who blatantly disregard them.

As a University-based town, people move to Oxford, Mississippi, from all parts of the country as well as overseas. While they are aware that they are coming to the South (famous for its pork-based menu items), those who are vegetarians are also arriving with an expectation that there will be at least one meat-free option on a restaurant’s menu (not including fries). In addition, with so many more people concerned about where their meat is coming from nowadays, we’re seeing even more people transitioning over to a meat-free lifestyle.

Thankfully, there are several restaurants in Oxford that have included vegetarian options/entrees on their menus. Most vegetarians have learned, from experience, to ask about every ingredient (right down to the bacon fat used to make some biscuits and fries), and many restaurant owners have addressed consumer concerns and taken steps to make their establishments more vegetarian friendly.

Below is a list of Oxford restaurants with vegetarian options (at least one); if I’ve left anyone out, please let me know by commenting here or emailing me at foodie@eatingoxford.com. If you’re a vegetarian who likes to cook at home as well, check out the 101 Cookbooks blog. Thank you to all of the restaurant owners/operators who are sympathetic to the dietary needs of Oxford residents. To others, please consider adding an option to your menu or a note that invites vegetarians to ask their server for meat-free versions of existing menu items.

• Red House Burgers & Blues
• Tallulah’s/Catfish One
• Panini
• Deli News
• Marie’s Lebanese Cuisine
• Turkuaz Cafe
• Kabuki
• Yocona in Exile
• The Bungalow
• Ajax Diner
• Big Bad Breakfast (if you eat eggs)
• Boure (lunch menu)
• Chili’s
• Taqueria El Milagro
• Maharaja Indian Cuisine
• Parrish-Baker Pub
• McAlister’s Deli
• Bottletree Bakery
• Honeybee Bakery
• Two Stick
• Newk’s
• Bangkok Thai
• Frank & Marlee’s
• Nagoya Japanese
• O.E.C. Japanese Express
• Proud Larry’s
• Volta Taverna
• Oby’s
• Phillips Grocery
• Old Venice Pizza Co.
• Downtown Grill
• Varsity Grille
• Ravine
• Castle Hill Resort & Restaurant

Turkuaz Cafe serving Turkish food

If you’ve never been out to the Rebel Paintball and Racing Complex on Highway 6 (28054 Hwy6 W going toward Batesville), you now have a reason to make the trek.

Turkuaz Cafe recently opened, serving Turkish delights such as lamb and beef shish kebabs, stuffed grape leaves, baklava and gyros.

They don’t appear to have a website, but they have a FaceBook fan page: click here for Turkuaz

I haven’t tried it myself yet, but hope to do so soon. Let me know about your experience at foodie@eatingoxford.com.

UPDATE 12/17/09: Since posting this blog, I’ve had the pleasure of trying some of the items offered at Turkuaz Cafe and appreciate the care that goes into each individual dish. It’s clear that the owner takes great pride in his cooking and it shows in the way he presents his food and how he interacts with his customers. I’ll definitely be back.