Cinar in West Caldwell NJ Offers Sophisticated Turkish Cuisine

Recently, we returned to Cinar in West Caldwell to enjoy some Turkish food. Cinar has two restaurants in northern New Jersey that serve a delicious assortment of appetizers, grilled meats and entrees and desserts. Owner Tunc Ozlum offers sophisticated versions of this old cuisine in a lovely setting. Turkish cuisine is based on the idea of the Mediterranean diet and b We started with appetizers; hummus, "pink queen", a dip of yogurt and beets, and pita bread served with a delicious tomato and pepper dip. The highlight, though, is the cheese borek-long fingers of thin dough, filled with cheese then deep fired. Served with Cinar's signature tomato jam they are sensational, crispy and chewy and slightly tart, all at the same time. The Cinar salad, which is their take on a classic shepherd's salad rounded out the beginning of our meal. Entrees were grilled lamb and chicken adana. Served with pilaf and vegetables they make a great dinner. Served with the grilled meats were manti, which are tiny dumplings filled with ground lamb, and eggplant dumplings. These dumplings were filled with ground lamb, rice and herbs in a garlicky yogurt sauce. I've never had them before and would order them again. For dessert, Tunc offered pistachio baklava and egg custard, served with coffee or tea. A lovely close to a delicious meal.