Turkish Delight

A record-breaking snowstorm in New York, New Jersey and down south to Washington, D.C. on January 24, 2016 finds us at Hunkar Turkish Restaurant in New Jersey for a Turkish marriage blessing.

The announcement of my niece, Gina and her fiancé, Ozzie's, engagement was the motivation for this affair. The groom is of Turkish decent and it is customary for the family to have an Imam (Pastor) perform a blessing. It is a traditional custom. The celebration is catered, there is a ceremonial blessing and the bride is showered with jewelry and monetary gifts by the grooms family. Our family joins his family and we become, well....you know....one big family. The groom's sister was, shall we say "awesome". Her name is Oslem. A certain someone in our family nicknamed her awesome, which she was. She was the hostess of the evening, greeting everyone and translating the ceremony rituals from Turkish to English.

After all the concern regarding the weather, the outcome of guests was better than expected. We travelled from Albany...no snow at all until we hit Mahopac. Approximately 12-15 inches had fallen but the roads were clear so we had no problem with the commute. The drive to New Jersey was a smooth trip as well. The only hitch in Jersey was parking; there is just no place to put the snow. As luck would have it we found parking across the street so no jumping over snow banks for us. Needless to say there was a full house ... The "Oz" clan, complete with "Uncle Sal" who resembled someone from the movie "Goodfellas".... yes, that's it...he looked like he may be a Turkish mobster (you know, one of "da boyz")...very warm, friendly and welcoming, as was Muki, Ozy's mom, and the rest of the family.

The food: Delicious. Continuous courses served throughout the day.. We ate, and ate....and loved it all!

The experience was delightful....to say the least.... and so was everyone we met!

Congratulations Gina & Ozzie !