In the heart of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, ADA Mediterranean Brasserie stands as a living testament to Chef Erhan Gezer’s pursuit of the American dream. His odyssey began with humble roots when he landed at New York’s JFK Airport with a mere $80 and a towering burden of debt.
Erhan Gezer, a culinary virtuoso, launched his career at a luxurious Cyprus hotel. However, the bedrock of his culinary skills was meticulously honed at his uncle’s food plant in Osmaniye, Turkey. There, he became a master of orchestrating the preparation of up to 3,000 daily meals, specializing in the art of crafting meze dishes. His boundless creativity earned him the esteemed “Chef of the Year” award in Istanbul in 2011, particularly for his exquisite Sea Bass Presentation (Rapunzel).
Born in 1984, Gezer’s journey in the food industry commenced during his childhood, where he spent his early days herding sheep and toiling in a bakery at the tender age of 13. Originally hailing from Bingöl, Turkey, he made a significant move to Osmaniye in 1998. Following a devastating earthquake in Turkey, he selflessly remained in the affected region for a month, tirelessly providing thousands of daily meals through establishments in Osmaniye and K.maras.
Back at ADA Mediterranean Brasserie, the menu boasts a tantalizing array of culinary delights:
1. Babaganoush: A delectable fusion of smoked eggplant, tahini, and zesty lemon, artfully served with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly chopped parsley, and a hint of chili pepper flakes.
2. Stuffed Grape Leaves: Tender grape leaves lovingly cradle a savory concoction of rice, dried mulberries, pine nuts, dried cranberries, parsley, dill, cinnamon, allspice, and dried mint.
3. Corn Zucchini Pancake: A savory pancake crafted from the freshest zucchini, carrots, parsley, and a touch of dried mint, crowned with a velvety yogurt sauce and a rich tomato accompaniment.
4. Pistachio Adana Kebab: Savor the succulence of hand-minced lamb and beef, skillfully blended with red bell pepper, and served alongside creamy yogurt, aromatic rice, and a medley of sautéed vegetables.
5. Saffron Poached Pear: Experience the sweet indulgence of a tender pear poached to perfection, infused with saffron’s delicate essence, and paired harmoniously with a scoop of luxurious vanilla ice cream.
6. Kunafa: A delectable dessert masterpiece featuring shredded phyllo dough, a rich cheese filling, a sprinkle of pistachios, and a generous drizzle of syrup, all served alongside a delightful scoop of ice cream.
Chef Erhan Gezer’s culinary journey continues to captivate palates, ensuring ADA Mediterranean Brasserie remains a beacon of excellence in the culinary world.
Website: https://www.adabrasserie.com/
