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By Barbara Penny Angelakis
Pera Mediterranean Brasserie
Back in January 2008 I wrote a glowing Brunch review on an authentic Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in midtown Manhattan called Pera Mediterranean Brasserie. While the cuisine of the entire Mediterranean is offered, the focus is on the Turkish kitchen that Proprietor Burak Karçam, of BK Restaurant Partners, grew up with.
A recent visit assures that the quality of the food at Pera has remained constant, but unfortunately Brunch is no longer available. The reason for this is the popularity of Pera and the need to accommodate private parties and group gatherings. Something had to give and since no more floor space could be carved out of the handsome restaurant space at 303 Madison Avenue (41^st ) Pera discontinued Saturday Brunch and now devotes the weekends to corporate and private parties.
To quote myself regarding the culinary team “Chef Jason Avery is the genius behind the inspired menu which was developed in conjunction with Turkish Chef Sezai Çelikbaş. Chef Avery joined Pera’s creative group early on and traveled to Turkey to explore firsthand with Chef Çelikbaş, the culinary traditions of the cuisine. His challenge was to adapt his classical training into recipes that would appeal to a broad audience and he has succeeded admirably”.
The demand for the house hand-fabricated, seasoned and marinated specialty meats overseen by Chef Avery initiated a pick-up Meats-to-Go program in 2007. And in response to growing interest, Pera has now launched a mail order program that will deliver several of their favorite hand processed, uniquely seasoned, high quality meats, directly to a nationwide clientele. Tips describing different cooking methods are enclosed with the meats. Currently available vacuum-packed and flash frozen for shipping in Styrofoam boxes with ice packs to maintain the frozen state for 48 hours are: Hand-Chopped Lamb or Chicken “Adana”; Lamb or Chicken Brochette; Lamburger; and Seasoned Lamb Riblets, 6 of their most popular menu items in all. Prices range from $6.95 to $13.95 for 7 to 16 ounce portions. Eventually other products as well as house-made hot sauces will be available.
Products can also be ordered directly from Pera Mediterranean Brasserie at www.peraonlinesstore.com or through www.tulumba.com
© November 2009 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
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