Our visit to TurCuisine was almost accidental. Had I not phoned ahead to V Virginia Eatery and Brewhouse to verify we’d have patio seating – and thereby learning that they are NO LONGER dog friendly, it would have been some time before trying TurCuisine.
It would have been our loss.
I’m a fan of mediterranean vegetarian food in general and TurCuisine does not disappoint. Where I was pleasantly surprised was their meat. We ordered shish, chicken in Jenny’s case and beef in mine. It was moist and perfectly seasoned with just the exact amount of chewiness. No single spice over powered the dish, which is my chief complaint at other similar restaurants. We both lingered over our skewers with the occasional moan of happiness.
The other food find was their shepherds, or country, salad. It was a dish I feel in love with while in Bahrain many years ago. Theirs was perfect.
The wait staff was friendly and all took time to greet and admire Honor. They also offered water without being asked.
The biggest challenge was the small patio. It houses four 2 person tables and they were close enough together that Honor had a hard time keeping his long tail from wagging under the other table on our side of the patio. Fortunately, the couple at the table next to us was kind and understanding. Also dog lovers. So I apologized for my wiggling pup and they shared pics of their cats and dog. The seating is close enough together that you can’t help overhearing the conversations going on around you. When there is a dog occupying the entire space in the middle it’s almost impossible to hide the fact that you are hearing them. So you ‘fess up and make friends.
It was Honor himself who realized that sitting on the other side of the patio railing made him, and the rest of us in the process, more comfortable. Lesson for me. Let go of that “dog outside the railing” guilt.
Another huge plus is that the patio is completely sheltered so we were fine, even with Honor at the railing, despite the fact that it was raining.
Honorarium: Small spaces and good food smells made me wiggy but I got lots of attention from everyone around me. The water was a nice touch. Next time we go I’m insisting on sitting outside of the railing where most of the interesting people are. Especially the ones with kids. I like them the best.
Verdict:
Surprisingly good and fresh food. While I prefer my Dolmas chilled, I enjoyed the warm ones they serve. The small patio is better for small dogs and calm large dogs. If you’ve got a large(r) dog or puppy, even an old one, consider asking for one of the tables at the rail. Call first for reservations as well. They’ll hold one of these tables for you if they know when you’re arriving. We’ll be back.
The Wandering Pup 