Like his father before him, Volkan Gokkiyas named his newest eating place, Barbarossa Pizza & Kebabs, after his son.
Gokkiyas, who changed into born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, was delivered up in his own family’s eating place. He then went directly to own and manage Spooner’s Pizza, a circle of relatives enterprise on Whalley Avenue.
After serving as the proprietor and supervisor for 15 years, Gokkiyas closed down Spooner’s and has now opened a bigger eating place only a block away on 1460 Whalley Ave., within the former Bruegger Bagels.
Gokkiyas, his spouse Burcu and son Barbarossa, 3, have been followed via Mayor Toni Harp, Alders Richard Furlow and Hacibey Catalbsoglu, economic development staffers and site visitors on Tuesday to reduce the ceremonial ribbon on the new eating place.
Harp stated Barbarossa could be “adding to New Haven’s gourmet menu of delicious food from around the arena” earlier than attempting his hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and eggplant.
Furlow recalled his own family ingesting pizza at Spooners for the last 30 years.
Gokkiyas has applied most of the identical indoors factors of the previous Bruegger’s, which closed 18 months ago. Updates encompass a brand new cooking line, such as a charcoal grill, shawarma machine, and steam table for to-go styled meals.
Gokkiyas’ landlord informed him the region, which is close to the Merritt/Wilbur Cross, has 65,000 motors passing through each day.
Harp stated groups like his are most probable to lease nearby talent and feature their proceeds flow into regionally. “Small groups like this one are the backbone of New Haven’s economy,” she said.
Gokkiyas stated he hired new cooks, 4 wait group of workers and one extra dishwasher, and labored with Marrakech, an organization that offers residential employment and guide to people with disabilities.
Finding cooks changed into tough before everything, according to Burcu Gokkiyas, Volkan’s wife. She stated many suitable high-quality Turkish chefs both paintings in New York or New Jersey. But they were capable of locating two and fill an opening in Turkish cuisine that is apparent to Burcu within the Westville community.
The Gokkiyas circle of relatives chose to move because their antique place posed many problems for them in terms of parking. The circulate additionally lets in them to explore the growth of their pizza menu to encompass Turkish and breakfast meals.
While owning a commercial enterprise in New Haven has its personal unique issues, Gokkiyas, who lives in Westville, said he loves New Haven.
“I’m hoping neighbors and pals will guide our journey and a new adventure with us,” Gokkiyas stated. Ladies Thighs, Sweet Lips, the Sultan Fainted, and Sultan’s Delight! Turkish dishes have the most delightful and just a little bit naughty names! Names which conjure up images of the pampered Sultan and his harem of voluptuous beauties. And, not unlike the harem, Turkish cuisine is a mysterious and sophisticated fusion of the Middle East and the Mediterranean, spiced up with a little Central Asia. Here’s a sampler of experiences foodies can look for across Turkey this summer. The Galata Bridge is a hub of chaos and activity. Above the bridge, buses, cars and the tramway trundle back and forth between Karakoy and Eminonu. At any time of the day or night, fishermen line the bridge, casting their lines and trying their luck in the cold waters of the Golden Horn. Seagulls soar, ferries roar, the mosque calls. Walk under the bridge and another assault grabs your senses. “Yes please!” “You look hungry!” and “Just take a look at my menu!” Pick the watering hole with the best ambiance/most persuasive waiter, grab a table and relax “ala Turka” with a round of Meze, freshly grilled fish and a glass of aniseed flavored raki. The perfect spot to watch the ferries toil the waters and the sun set over the domes and minarets of old ‘Stamboul. Some of the fish at these restaurants can be expensive so be sure to ask the price at the time of ordering. Balik Noktasi comes highly recommended for its quality of fish and service. Reserve a table near the water and enjoy fantastic views of Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. You may just have one of the best pieces of fish you’ll ever taste here!
