I decided to try Turquoise Grill today for lunch.  I arrived about 12:30 PM with high expectations.  The restaurant does not offer a luncheon menu on Saturdays.

I ordered two of my favorites:

Ezme Salatasi and Doner Kabob.

The ezme (and here and here also) was not spicey at all, which was disappointing.  Nothing like the ezme I've eaten so many times, which resembles Pico de gallo in texture.  Ezme either has a bit of a kick from red pepper or has a nice hint of mint.  The vegetables were run through a food processor too long and the dish was more like a dip or a spread.  It was just OK.

The doner kabob was flat.  Served over rice with onions and what appeared to be thinly sliced cabbage flavored with sumac.  The meat was undersalted and there was no hint of the middle eastern spices that make this meat a favorite in New York, Europe and the middle east.  The hint of lamb flavor was missing entirely.  It too was just OK.

I realize that Saturday lunch is a bad time to sample many restaurants.  (Often the head chef is preparing for the evening dinner crowd.)  To be fair, the service was excellent, and when asked by the waiter I did indicate I was enjoying the food.  The pita bread/focaccia served as an appetizer was excellent.  The establishment displays a wide selection of wines and the cozy atmosphere would be great for lingering with friends in conversation.  I'll probably sample this restaurant again for lunch during the week with the lunch bunch.  Initial vote: a disappointing thumbs sideways.