Aya Sofia: St. Louis’ Turkish
Treat!
By Heidi Schoen
Healthy Plant Community Editor
Usually treasures are hidden and hard to find, not this one
it’s right here in our midst - the region’s only
Turkish restaurant, Aya Sofia. Mehmet Yildiz, owner and chef
creates traditional dishes that taste as delicious as their
artistic presentation. The menu has a wide variety of dishes
that are best shared; meals are transformed into a group exploration
of familiar tastes and new food horizons. Turkish food with
Middle Eastern, Greek and European influences are healthful
with their olive oil, use of fresh herbs and yogurt based
sauces. One popular hot appetizer is the Borek; there are
thousands of varieties, and three on the menu at Aya Sofia.
This feta cheese and parsley pie baked in filo dough is a
must have and don’t forget to dip it in Cacik a wonderful
yogurt sauce with chopped cucumber blended with garlic, fresh
mint. Hungry yet? The Imam Bayildi a vegetarian dish is a
Turkish specialty and the Musakka (both vegetarian and traditional)
has a luscious bechamel layer. A glass of wine can be a welcome
part of a meal and Sommelier Jill Aboussie selected a wine
list representing small-production wineries from around the
world. A recent wine feature is ADA 03’ with an aroma
of cherries and raspberries with a liquorice base. Other beverages
are available including premium beers and Turkish Kahve a
drink not for the faint of heart or insomniacs. The restaurant
décor includes framed photographs by Amie Schilson
mounted on golden walls and the booths are framed with voluptuous
red sheer curtains and the seats adorned with jeweled pillows.
Aya Sofia features belly dancing every Tuesday through Friday
evenings and greeting you warmly with a smile will most likely
be Alicia Aboussie, co-owner and manager of Aya Sofia. Their
hours, Lunch: Tuesday – Friday 11a-2p. Dinner: Tuesday
– Thursday 5p-10p; Friday and Saturday 5p-11p; Sunday
5p-9p. Closed Monday. Happy Hour 5p-7p Tuesday – Friday.
Reservations encouraged. Location: 6671 Chippewa – St.
Louis. Visit them on-line at
www.ayasofiacuisine.com.
