Article by Fitz
(Lead photos: Menu board, crepes, and meat platter at Istanbul Gyro and Kebab)
Oh the times, they are a-changin’ in the NEON/Norfolk Arts District. A plethora of imaginative artists are at this moment painting the district with formative large scale murals. The new Brother- Rutter- owned venue Work Release is establishing itself as THE place to party in Norfolk. A few doors down sits the beautiful shabby chic venue, The Parlor. It features skylights and ― shudder the thought ― trendy Edison bulbs actually used in a unique way, mimicking the stars. The Push Comedy Theatre between these two destination spots is offering up laughs on an almost daily basis. Zeke’s Beans and Bowls is across the street serving up pour-over style coffee and poke bowls. They started doing nitro coffee too, but it’s not quite up to par with Cafe Stella’s in Ghent. I heard there’s a vape shop nearby as well, but I avoid them the way grown women avoid guys wearing Axe spray and Ed Hardy shirts (both of which are probably in abundance inside). That place aside, we thought it would be smart to explore some of the surrounding blocks of the district and see if there might be a hidden gem that stands to benefit from the newly cultivated interest and growth in the district. It was ultimately Alexi Zeren (photographer and musician in Fugitive 9, Lou Breeders, LRKR and numerous other inventive bands) who recommended we try Istanbul Gyro and Kebab ― on the outskirts of the district. What follows was my experience.
Turkish coffee at Istanbul Gyro and Kebab
I walked into the restaurant eager to try Turkish food in a dining-out setting for the first time. With the hidden gems edition of Southern Grit on the horizon, I had high hopes for this nondescript joint so neatly tucked behind the greyhound station. However, as soon as I bit into the soggy rice leaf crepe appetizer, my enthusiasm was dashed. Not even the buzzing and insanely hot meat spit, which made sitting at the bar nearly unbearable, could draw out some of the moisture in this bland and extremely unappealing appetizer.
Whereas the crepes were wetter than Lebron James’s socks in the 4th quarter, the assortment of meats I tried for the main course were dryer than an internet lackey’s throat post cinnamon challenge. From the lamb and beef gyro to the chicken shish kebab to the kofte, everything was torridly dry. The only thing I tried there that wasn’t bordering on refund-worthy was the Turkish coffee. The owner/cook responsible for this awful meat would be well served to take a drive (or maybe a walk, so as to have time to contemplate his responsibility to his customers) a few miles down the street to Mr. Shawarma in Ghent and take note of how to prepare succulent meat on a spit. The fact that some out-of-town travelers visiting (while already dealing with greyhound issues) are being greeted with this awful restaurant is a disservice to the area.
Istanbul Gyro and Kebab is located at 723 Monticello Avenue Norfolk Virginia and on Facebook HERE
No Comments