A Turkish Delight

Maddie LaKind  

I take breakfast very seriously. Most people in my life will tell you that you don’t want to cross me until I’ve at least eaten at least a little something in the morning. Let me clarify though—by something, I do not mean a cup of coffee or a bite of power bar. No, no. That never cuts it for me. I need a meal that is both light and filling enough to propel me through the morning, keep me going until lunch, and, obviously, taste great.

Ann Arbor is clearly no amateur in the breakfast game with places like Angelo’s and Afternoon Delight dominating the morning meal scene. While I’m all for a good, grease-pit diner omelet or stack of silver dollar pancakes, sometimes a girl needs to expand her mind, step outside her comfort zone, and discover new breakfast horizons.

It was this very pursuit that first led me to discover the wonderful Café Zola. If you haven’t heard of this place before, sear the name into your brain; Zola, Zola, Zola. Housed in a hip downtown space with exposed brick walls, a sleek wrap-around bar, and tons of local art throughout, Café Zola is the epitome of an all-purpose spot, serving superb breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is Mediterranean at heart, specifically French/Italian, with a sprinkling of Turkish specialties—a nod to the country of origin of one of the owners. The real task upon looking at this expansive and slightly overwhelming menu is honing in and narrowing down your choice.

I have had the pleasure of dining at Zola for all three meals of the day and, without question, breakfast (or brunch rather) trumps its counterparts every time. Although they are famous for their wide selection of sweet/savory crepes, omelets, and waffles, I still go back to the first dish I every tried there, which has remained my go-to favorite to this day—Turkish eggs.

Like most of you, I’m sure, I had never heard of Turkish eggs before coming to Zola, and, to this day, don’t truly know what actually makes the dish Turkish. However, since their introduction into my life, I can’t get enough. Besides possessing an unmatched vibrant flavor, the dish really shines in its simplicity, but I’m getting ahead of myself here. Here’s how the plate breaks down: a layer of sautéed spinach covers the bottom of the plate, then comes two eggs prepared any way you’d like right on top, along with a hefty hunk of crumbly, salty feta cheese, and a sprinkling of fresh thyme. Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and handful of olives serve as lovely accompaniments in addition to your choice of sourdough, rye, or whole-wheat toast.

Individually, these components may seem mundane but eating them all together is nothing short of divine combining nearly every flavor and texture profile; the earthiness of the spinach, the fatty egg yolk, ripe, vibrant tomato, crisp cucumber, creamy, tangy feta, and that distinct brininess of olive. All stacked atop slices of crusty toast, open-faced sandwich style, you are in for a heavenly—and healthy—breakfast treat.

It’s difficult for me to recall a breakfast so beautiful and fresh that didn’t leave me feeling bogged down post-meal. Usually when I see a dish so photo-worthy as this, it’s something like a mondo plate of French toast or a waffle brimming with dollops of whipped cream—things characterized by indulgence and excess. The Turkish eggs put that notion to shame, showing that breakfast can be truly delectable without making you feel like a slug.

Despite eating this dish upwards of ten times throughout my time in Ann Arbor, it never loses its allure. And clearly, others feel the same as it is one of Zola’s recommendations on the menu and ranked as a fan favorite among customers. It is this commitment to variety and quality that keeps people coming back brunch after brunch, week after week, with lines typically stretching out the door on Saturdays and Sundays.

As college students, it’s hard to find the time and money to treat oneself to a nice brunch out, especially in the Main street area. I can assure you though, Zola’s spread is worth every penny. Not only are you getting a fabulously prepared meal made with top quality ingredients but you get to enjoy them in a beautiful space with a bustling local crowd. So the next time you are reaching for the box of Cheerios or a Fage yogurt, gather some friends and pay Zola a visit; your stomach will thank you later.

Café Zola 112 West Washington Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104