Unlike many "ethnic" restaurants, Kismet definitely qualifies as "fine dining" due to the attention…read moreto detail in the food, the comfortable, elegant surroundings, and impeccable service. Everybody I interacted with - greeter, waiter, food runners, etc. - were friendly, neat, and professional, which along with the great food made a memorable dining experience. I had no trouble making a 6:00 Saturday reservation earlier that day but it did fill up while I was there so it was probably needed. Though there were some seats that remained open at the bar, so walk-ins might be accommodated there. It was a nice bar, with a very pretty stained glass table lamp on the counter and a very cool-looking bartender adding flair to the otherwise conservatively-attired staff.
The menu is extensive and very Turkish. Even the wine list: every wine that I checked was Turkish. I know nothing about Turkish wine but the one I did try (many available by the glass) was enjoyable. I tried a cocktail too; a Turkish Cosmo, made with a Turkish pomegranate syrup. This was good too, tangy and not too sweet. For beers they offer ones from Turkey, Vermont, Mexico, and Connecticut. I was happy not to see any major American brands offered.
I don't usually comment on prices, but they seemed slightly on the low side here, for everything: drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. I am not complaining!
I started with the Cold Meze Platter appetizer, recommended for 2. (Too much for 1 so I took some home.) Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Turkish Salsa, Hadari, and Stuffed Grape Leaves. Everything was very good, and the fresh-baked still-warm hadari bread it was served with was perfect with it. The Baba Ganoush was exceptional, chunky in texture and smoky in flavor.
From the very extensive entree section I chose the Surf and Turf: skewers of swordfish and lamb, the latter cooked to order (it came out a perfect medium-rare as requested). The skewers, which also had green pepper and onions, was served with rice, bulghur, grilled tomato, a lemon wedge, and a salad of cabbage and pickled onions. Both the swordfish and lamb were marinated and had lots of flavor. The sides were good too. The portion size was generous and I didn't quite finish it, taking the rest of it home along with some of the appetizer.
After finishing my entree and my wine, and taking in the ambience of this relaxing, blue-walled space, it was time for dessert. Among the 8 choices (a refreshingly large number) were 3 kinds of baklava. I went with the Fistikli Çikolata (chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut) If, like me your experience with baklava has mostly been the junk found on the counter of numerous pizza houses (stale, dry, and overly sweet) this is nothing like that and will change your opinion. The three pieces made a fairly large portion but it was so good there was no question of leaving any behind. This was also offered with Turkish ice cream but I didn't get it that way.
Many more things to try here. I hope to return soon.
