Amidst the unassuming streets of Erindale, a culinary gem has emerged, capturing the palates of locals and visitors alike. Among the latter is none other than the Turkish Ambassador, who was a guest of the very first function held at the newly opened Anatolia Restaurant.
Anatolia is the casual fine dining counterpart to a stalwart of the strip mall, Turkish Grill, which has operated for 18 years. The second brainchild of power couple Tania Vereschildt-Kocak and Sukru Kocak, the former handles the front of house while the latter runs the kitchen. Together, they share a combined 65 years in hospitality.
Tania laughs that serving the Turkish Ambassador is “definitely a feather in the cap,” however, the true accomplishment was getting 40 or so ambassadors out to Erindale in the first place. “Usually we aren’t on their radar,” says the Tuggeranong local.
The inspiration for Anatolia sprouted long ago, while the pair were visiting Sukru’s family in Turkey. There, Tania was first introduced to the true essence of Mediterranean breakfast.
“A tray that needed to be held with two hands, piled with fresh cucumber, fresh tomato, fresh fruit, feta, grilled halloumi, olives, Gozleme, fresh pastries,” she recalls. “Just when we were thinking ‘who ordered this?’ out comes the eggs with sujuk.
“In Turkey, it’s all about hospitality, you’re fed until you roll out the door,” says Tania. Today, the star of their weekend breakfast menu is the Anatolia Big Breakfast, served to a minimum of two, with all the staples of their Turkish holiday.
My dining partner and I enjoyed a Friday night dinner service and ordered the chilli prawns, pan-fried in harissa and garlic, and sigara borek – Turkish spring rolls filled with feta and spices – for our entrées. Dipping the crispy and cheesy rollsin the marinara sauce, ordering these dishes together creates a match made in heaven.
With ambient lighting, genuinely warm hospitality, and a mix of patrons celebrating birthdays, first dates, and Friday, Anatolia feels like an oversized dining room for the residents of Erindale – which is exactly what Tania envisioned.
“Why should the southside community have to travel away from the southside to enjoy good food?” she says.
When the couple had the idea of building a more sophisticated addition to the Turkish Grill, they briefly considered setting up shop on the Kingston Foreshore.
“But why should we? We’ve been part of this community for 18 years. We can bring the people to us.”
Anatolia Mediterranean Restaurant, Gartside Street Erindale. Bookings: 5116 2661, anatoliarestaurant.com.au
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