Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen: A Cultural and Culinary Exploration
“Hoşgeldiniz” (HOSH gel-dee-niz) – Turkish for a warm and pleasant welcome – is most likely the first thing you’ll hear when you step into Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen. But don't worry, you won't need to catch a long-haul flight to experience it – just stop by Bodrum’s on Roosevelt Boulevard in Jacksonville.
Once you step into the restaurant, you are instantly transported to the Aegean Sea. Taking inspiration from the sun-drenched shores and azure waters of the city of the same name on the southwest coast of Turkey (Türkiye), Bodrum is full of blue and white accents. You’ll certainly notice the blue eye-shaped glass pendants. The handcrafted glass charms, known as nazar boncuğu, are believed to ward off bad luck around parts of the Mediterranean.
Gunay Tashkinlar and Ramiz Rona Taskinlar, the couple behind this gastronomic journey, wanted to share their passion for their homeland's flavors and traditions. Ramiz's family is well-known in Turkey's restaurant industry. His family owns the renowned Köfteci Ramiz, a historic eatery tracing its roots back to 1928. This iconic establishment boasts over 200 franchises spanning Turkey and beyond, making it a beacon of Turkish cuisine worldwide. Building on their extensive restaurant experience in Turkey, the couple always dreamed of spreading Turkish culture in the United States and ultimately decided Jacksonville was an exemplary spot because of its proximity to the ocean and the steady economic growth in the area. They opened Bodrum in 2022 because “we wanted a restaurant that reminded us of our wonderful summers in Bodrum,” says Gunay.
Bodrum brings the richness of Turkish culinary traditions to the Northeast Florida region, emphasizing a commitment to healthful, Mediterranean-style cuisine. "Every dish is a labor of love, prepared by Turkish chefs and served with warmth and hospitality by our dedicated waitstaff,” Gunay says. With meticulous care, the owners have curated a menu that pays homage to Turkey's historical foodways.
Embark on your culinary journey at Bodrum with meze, an array of small dishes served as appetizers in Turkish cuisine. Meze dishes can vary widely from cold dishes like hummus, tzatziki (cacık) and stuffed grape leaves (dolma) to hot dishes such as spicy meatballs (köfte). Alternatively, start with a shepherd's salad (çoban salatası), a Turkish favorite. “What makes Turkish cuisine authentic is the meat,” says Gunay. Turkish cuisine is renowned for its various types of kebabs, which are often made with skewered meat. Some common types of kebabs include Adana kebab (spicy minced meat), shish kebab (grilled meat skewers) and döner kebab (rotating spit-grilled meat). The restaurant features shish kabob (şiş kebap) and gyros (sliced döner meat on pita bread).
Although Turkish and Greek cuisines share some similarities due to their geographical proximity and historical interactions, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. While both cuisines make ample use of fresh vegetables, olive oil and herbs, they incorporate different spices and flavorings. Turkish cuisine often features more prominent use of spices like biber salçası (red paste made from sweet peppers), paprika and cumin, while Greek cuisine leans more towards flavors like oregano, lemon and cinnamon. Additionally, Turkish cuisine is known for its diverse range of cooking techniques, including grilling, stewing and braising.
No Turkish meal would be complete without the ethereal delight of pistachio baklava. Turkish pistachios are prized for their rich, sweet flavor with subtle hints of earthiness. Turkey provides a unique combination of climate, soil and growing conditions contributing to the development of this distinctive taste. Pair the baklava with a fragrant cup of authentic Turkish tea or the robust flavors of traditional Turkish coffee for a truly unforgettable culinary journey.
Bodrum Mediterranean Kitchen serves as a portal to the captivating essence of Turkey, beckoning travelers to immerse themselves in its rich blend of culture, history and natural beauty. As you savor the exquisite flavors of the cuisine, the melodies of Turkish music transport you to the Aegean Coast. Embracing the Mediterranean ethos, meals here are not just about consumption but rather a celebration of conviviality. Time slows down amidst conversations and shared plates of vibrant salads, assorted meze and Turkish tea. Every bite becomes a passage of culinary heritage, unveiling the intricate layers of Turkish tradition and history, all within the cozy confines of a Jacksonville eatery.
