One Dish – The Shepherd’s Salad
You’re in for a Turkish surprise!
Have you ever set out to do something and ended up doing something completely different? I’m guessing you have. If not, you may be in a pretty tiny minority of folks. Well, this article is kind of like that! 😁
I’ll confess my Turkish cuisine literacy was a bit lacking. The neighborhood where I grew up wasn’t exactly a hotbed of culinary diversity. There were a lot of chicken places, ribs joints, deli food, and diners. Not bad choices, just not a very broad spectrum.
Moving to Sarasota back 20+ years ago didn’t offer a whole lot more. Different options, but still limited in scope. I think we can now safely say that all of that has changed.
Gulf Gate Is a Collection of Odds and Ends. It’s always been a place where hospitality industry folks hang out after a day (or night) on their feet, serving others. They need and deserve a break too!
The neighborhood’s culinary profile starts with oysters and ends with tacos. There are pierogis and schnitzels somewhere in the middle of that range. 📝 And most recently added, one of the best burger spots in town.
Let’s just say there’s a little something for everyone. And best of all, you don’t even have to look that hard. 👀
Now, you can add Turkish flavors to the crazy array of Gulf Gate choices. It’s a nice little addition to an already jam-packed menu.
They’ve got some super casual and comfortable inside dining.
Divan (6525 Superior Ave. (941) 924-3030), which opened last March, has been gaining quite a dedicated and loyal following. There are most certainly reasons for that.
How Quickly Things Change. I thought I would be writing a “sandwich” piece, or maybe a “Pita Piece” is more accurate 🥙.
But just like a lot of times in life, there are detours. Yes, my food-loving friends, this is one of those times… 🚧
Before we talk about our “One Dish,” we could use a little warmup act.
The simple ingredients of chickpea puree, tahini, lemon, olive oil, and zaatar make this hummus the perfect beginning to your Turkish dining adventure.
The Divan menu includes four “Lunch Specials.” Three of them can be built as either a pita or a wrap. I went for the Döner Pita and figured that’s what you and I would be talking about here.
Yes, the Döner Pita was delicious. Carved off that vertical cone of roasting lamb and beef, it was as flavorful as you would imagine. (The tzatziki sauce was the perfect complement.) 📝 This would have been equally great made as a wrap!
🍴 Here’s Where the Road Forks. You have two choices to accompany your Lunch Special pita/wrap. Your choices: Fries or salad (my love of French fries is well documented in previous articles. There is no need to go down that rabbit hole 🐰).
I can get fries just about anywhere. And honestly, I wasn’t really sure that Turkish restaurants were famous for their fries. So, I figured let’s keep it simple and go for the salad. It turned out to be an excellent choice!
* This is the entree-size salad!
📌 DO NOT Miss the Shepherd’s Salad!
This simple salad ends up being the star of this One Dish. A complete and total surprise. I was thinking this salad would be a nice, easy “go-along” for the Döner Pita. I had no idea it would rule my lunch!
This chopped salad consists of fresh mixed vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and herbs. It has the lightest, most delicate dressing you can imagine. In short, this salad sings! 🎶
And to think, I was THIS close to ordering those fries (which I’m certain are delicious, but…). An opportunity for discovery almost lost. But, in the end, saved!
📃 If you’d like to try your hand at making your very own Shepherd’s Salad, HERE’S A RECIPE!
🍰 ONE LAST THING. If you’re a fan of dessert (and who isn’t?), Divan has a case of homemade Turkish delicacies for you to complete your meal. Too full for dessert? Have them pack up a few tasty selections to go!
🚶🏻🚗 GIYL (GO IF YOU LIKE)
Authentic Turkish cuisine • Casual, relaxed dining • A family-owned and operated restaurant • They serve brunch dishes too! • Unlike some Turkish restaurants, they DO serve beer & wine
📊 WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Divan (6525 Superior Ave. (941) 924-3030)
CUISINE: Turkish
RESERVATIONS: Yes – ONLINE RESERVATIONS FORM
MENU: HERE’S A LINK TO THE MENU
PARKING: Street & lot parking available
DRINKS: Yes (Beer & Wine)
NEIGHBORHOOD: Gulf Gate
~ LH
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Here are some upcoming local food events that we think you might find interesting. All you need to do is make that reservation. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.
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We’ve got a few things for you to do in the next days, weeks, and months. Get out there and take advantage of what our Sarasota restaurant community has to offer! ⬇️
MAY 16 – Silver Oak Wine Dinner – Mattison’s Forty-One
MAY 16 – Protea Wine Dinner – Fins at Sharky’s
MAY 17 – Patrón Tequila Dinner – GROVE Restaurant
MAY 19 – Party of the Decade Benefit – Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse
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