Turks, Frogs, and The Orient Express

Written by Carol Cain on 28 December 2010

In the West Village, on a quiet street near where all the cool kids hang out, is Turks and Frogs, a warm and cozy wine bar, perfect for date nights and friendly get-togethers. Considered to be one of New York’s first wine bar, what I immediately loved about it was how unpretentious it is.

We were greeted with a smile from the moment we walked in, and seated in a small back room, on a smooth, comfortable burgundy leather couch. After ordering a glass of Gewürztraminer, I melted into the couch and enjoyed the soft, intimate, candle-lit ambiance and soft jazz playing in the background.

Turks & Frogs is the creation of Osman Cakir, an antiques dealer by trade, who 6 years ago decided to open the wine bar as an extension to his former antiques shop for his customers. Little did he know that this lovely, yet simple space would become the success it did and that it would lead to something even bigger, the Turks & Frogs restaurant located in Tribeca.

The collection of international wines is admirable, with the Turkish wines being among Mr. Cakir’s favorites. These along with any of the many Turkish appetizers served here help to provide the true flair of the place and make for a wonderful experience. For Mr. Cakir, the transition from antiques dealer to restaurant owner was an organic one he says, as he simply held on to his passion for good food and drinks and implemented his love for the same in his ventures.

We ordered the cheese platter, which was made up of feta, Mahón, Garrotxa Bauma, manchego, and Capri Saldo cheeses, served with grapes and pita bread slices. We also tasted a flavorful variation of olives, and tried the combination platter, which was made up of humus, dolma, smoked eggplant, lebni and mercimek Koftesi. It was all delicious.

It is clear to see why this is such a favorite in the city.

In speaking to Mr. Cakir he shared news of his newest venture, Orient Express, a cocktail lounge located right next door. Described by Cakir as being a long time dream of his, Orient Express serves cocktails and small dishes inspired by the different stops along the Orient Express train. My curiosity led me here immediately upon leaving Turks & Frogs.

The decor is fitting. Unlike Turks & Frogs, where things just seemed to have beautifully fallen into place, Orient Express is definitely about delivering a specific experience with well thought-out hints of glamour in its decor. When we visited there were a group of locals gathered around the bar, laughing, drinking, sharing stories and, well, just hanging out. In the back room a small group had gathered for what seemed to be a celebration of some kind.

We sat at a table along the wall, a small candle softly lighting our immediate space. We ordered two drinks, The Sleeping Car (apricot infused cognoc, calvados lemon juice, mint, and bitters) and a Leopole (cognac, honey, lemon juice with herbs de Provence garnish). Both were sweet, but paired well with our appetizer of choice, the Hungarian sausage with roasted cabbage, sour apple and black currants.

This would be the place I would come to with my friends.

In short, Turks & Frogs was cozy and romantic, and Orient Express was fun and a bit more festive. I enjoyed the drinks and food at both locations and delighted in how magnificently different the experience at each was. Two great choices, what ever your mood.

Disclosure: The review of Turks & Frogs Wine Bar is based on a complimentary meal there. I received no other compensation and no requirements that I express a particular point of view.