ATA members enjoy traditional Cypriot cuisine at Boghjalian Konak
THE December social get-together of the Anglo Turkish Association (ATA) saw more than 20 members and friends leave Christmas fare behind and enjoy some traditional Cypriot cuisine.
The group met at the Boghjalian Konak restaurant in Lefkoşa’s Arabahmet quarter and were treated to some information about the history of the area before moving through to the restaurant’s dining room which was described by those attending as “beautiful” and “superbly restored.”
Boghjalian Konak owner Zihni Türksel was on hand to talk the group through the speciallyprepared menu of meze followed by dishes such as fasulye, molehiya, kolokas, and köfte cooked in spinach, which several people admitted they were trying for the first time.
Apart from running the restaurant, Zihni Türksel is senior lecturer in gastronomy at the European University of Lefke and a judge for the Cooks and Chefs Federation of Turkey (COCFED), which supports the training of chefs to world standards. Ever the showman, he entertained the group with stories of his life and work, including the tale of an award-winning pudding he created which, sadly, was not available for sampling on the day.
As if delicious food and amusing anecdotes were not enough, the event finished on a high note with an a cappella rendition of a verse from Ave Maria by Katie Enconomidou, one of the guests. As the group left the restaurant, Zihni claimed a “Happy New Year” kiss from each of the ladies and everyone agreed with ATA chairman Pearl Mitchell when she said the Boghjalian Konak had been “a very different venue in every way!”
The ATA’s social gatherings are held on the 28th of every month and are arranged by members for members, in addition to the association’s other events. For more details, contact Pearl Mitchell on atamail13@gmail.com.