A new restaurant is opening in the heart of Nottingham city centre and even before the first official day it has raised more than £3,800 for the victims of the Turkish earthquake. A special event attended by more than 200 people was organised at Te'Mola by its Turkish owner Murat Yer.
Mr Yer already has a string of restaurants and takeaways, Ohannes Burgers, across Nottinghamshire and Turkey, but Te'Mola, an all-day venue, is his latest venture in the city he now calls home. Located in the former Turkish restaurant Antalya, which closed during the pandemic, the premises in Forman Street have undergone a major revamp.
A rich colour scheme of blue, gold and green seating, monochrome paintwork, draped greenery and mirrored windows create a stylish setting. A hand-drawn mural by Mr Yer, inspired by the buildings where he grew up in Erzurum, Anatolia, completes the look.
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Te'Mola roughly translates as tea break but there's much more on offer besides. The restaurant will open on Thursday, February 16, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To start the day there will British favourites such as avocado toast and eggs royale plus an Anatolian breakfast with fried egg, halloumi, sausage, potato, mushroom, feta cheese, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives and borek (a Turkish pastry).
But for the biggest appetites of all the Lion's Feast has all the above, plus turkey bacon, beans, hash browns, smashed avocado honey and jam - all for £12. Veggie and vegan breakfast options are also on the menu.
Light bites include "irresistible" chicken noodle soup, crispy wings and truffle and parmesan chips. A big focus on chicken means nine main dishes with a global flavour -tikka masala, the famous French Cafe de Paris sauce, creamy mushroom, BBQ and peri peri are amongst them.
Other mains include beef on crispy fried potatoes, spicy quesadilla with jalapenos and kofte on top of cheesy aubergine mash. Salads with Mediterranean greens, chick peas or halloumi provide a healthy option. Sweet-toothed customers can finish with fresh handmade puddings such as traditional mosaic cake and magnolia, a popular creamy Turkish dessert.
Mr Yer said: "I'm happy with it but the customers will decide. We have good vegan and vegetarian alternatives and six different Turkish specialities.
"It's a modern fast food restaurant. It looks fine dining but we serve affordable food, healthy food with good prices."
Traditional Turkish coffee and the usual barista coffees are on sale. Aa array of 'mood' teas are served in black handled teapots on a wooden board with apple and dried fruit and an egg timer set at three minutes for the perfect brew. Although the restaurant is licensed it's not serving alcohol.
Discounts are being offered for students and Nottingham City Transport bus drivers, who are often seen on their breaks in the area. As well as the main restaurant area there's a cosy alcove with seating for four and a 12-seater VIP room with a fireplace at the rear.
Now work is complete on the restaurant, it's full steam ahead to refurbish the upper floors to create a boutique hotel. There will be 11 rooms including a penthouse which are due to open in a few months time.
Te'Mola will be open from 8am to 11pm.
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