Restaurant Review: Aya Sofia

Tonight Moe and I went our for dinner and drinks with another couple from our apartment complex.  We always hangout with them at the dog park, but it was nice to get out of the building and have a chance to talk while our dogs were not off chasing squirrels or making a scene - mostly my dog :)  In attempt to try new things, we went to Aya Sofia, a Turkish Mediterranean restaurant in South Hill.  We were worried it was going to be packed but with it being the day after a long weekend, we were one of few hitting up the restaurant scene on a Tuesday night.  It was amazingly too cold to sit on their amazing patio so we sat in a comfortable booth inside.  Ciara and I had a glass of the house red which was a wonderfully mild Malbec.  Moe of course hit up a Schlaflys, and Samir had a glass of Riesling. 

We started off with the Ezme Meze Platter which was a combination of humus, biber ezme, and babaganus.  Biber Ezme is a pureed roasted red pepper with garlic, breadcrumbs, olives, and cheese.  Babaganus is of course pureed grilled eggplant is one of my all time favorite snacks.  All were great but my favorite would have to be the humus and the unlimited amount of warm pita that the restaurant provides! 

Since Moe and I decided to split a meal, he ordered a small Turk Salatasi which had lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. I had the soup of the day which was a pinto bean vegetable soup.  It was loaded with flavor and even Moe who hates beans said it was enjoyable.  Minus being served too hot (temperature not spice), this was my favorite food of the meal. 

Moe and I split the Akdeniz Usulu Tavuk which was a pan-seared chicken breast with basil, sun dried tomatoes and sauteed potatoes with a lemon, garlic, butter sauce.  Please note that we didn't even attempt to pronounce this one.  We did the point and nod when we ordered to avoid embarrassment at butchering the name despite the menu having the pronunciation spelled out next to each word.  The server also offered to split the meal and add extra vegetables (a $2 surcharge which was worth it).  Our meal was awesome.  The chicken was very tender and the sauce was flavorful.  I always fear that when I see lemon as a primary ingredient that it will be too overbearing; however, the flavors complimented each other well. 

Overall the meal was great and we will definitely be making it back to try out some of the other menu items.  I must say though, it is hard to go wrong with good company, wine, and humus in my book! 

For those of you that live in the area, you should check this restaurant out!

Aya Sofia's Homepage

Ratings
Moe, 8 out of 10
Miss J, 8.5 out of 10

- Miss J