Cafe EFENDI pictures

37 Roswell Street
Alpharetta, GA. 30004
770-360-8014

A Turkish Café Set in the Suburbs
Copyright 2009 Parker Allen Stacy, IV. All Rights Reserved.

It seems that summer in the South
    It pushes out the spring.
And birds, so desperate to keep pace,
    They just past midnight sing.

And in my slumber, lo these months,
    The world around me changed.
So I decide to go explore:
    See how it's rearranged.

I came upon a luscious green,
    Set just before downtown,
Where verdant trees cast thoughtful shade
    On grasses newly mown.

And see a couple, years ago,
    Beneath this very sun,
Whose quest--their café's perfect home--
    Say: Dear, we've found the one.

The patio is warm and broad
    Where spring's sweet breezes flow:
A nifty observation deck
    Where amblers are the show.

Some tables linger, chatting on,
    The remnants of the lunch:
A birthday trio, folks with babes--
    Subdued suburban bunch.

And just inside a placard lists
    Their Mediterranean fare,
In front of which the owner stands
    And greets his guest with care.

I ask him if his café's name
    Was taken from The Faith
And though it rings a bell, there's no
    Connection so he saith.

So I proceed to ask what's good,
    First-timer as I am,
And ponder quick his savory list--
    And then request the lamb.

I settle in a corner chair
    And take a great, deep breath.
The springtime air is warm and sweet
    With hints of baby's breath.

An unassuming wrap arrives
On dishes white and plain,
But bread so soft and seasoned lamb
"Delicious" can't explain

Been ages since I've had this dish,
And never quite so good.
I ponder if perhaps their trick
Might be a seasoned wood.

The owner has a special treat--
Perhaps because I'm new--
He proudly offers, on the house,
Their Turkish coffee brew.

"The mother of all coffees," says
    He with a great delight.
And though 'tis but a thimbleful
    He's absolutely right!

Who knew that just a simple shot
    Could pack that kind of kick.
Its flavor rich and balance sweet
    And very, very thick.

I kick on back and contemplate,
    This sated butterfly:
Emerged from my cocoon, 'tis not
    The world that's changed, but I.

Between the heat and stimulant
    Tonight will see no rest.
Perhaps, since now I'll be up late,
    I'll find that noisy nest.

Parker Allen Stacy, IV
4/30/2009