Effendy’s sweet delight

ByJude Katende

WHEN Effendy’s Coffee Shop and Pastry, at the Centenary Gardens invited guests to toast to two years of its existence on Thursday night, it was time to unravel the secret behind Turkish cuisine.

Melih Aksay, the managing director, said: “What I want from all of you gathered here are your complaints. I don’t want compliments. We want to know where we can do better.”

Then he urged the guests to all “eat sweet, drink sweet, talk sweet and be sweet.”

We did not have any clue what he meant, until the day’s highlight, the buffet was unveiled. The way this was done took everybody by surprise. As Melih rolled back the curtains on the musical stage to thunderous drum beats from the band, it felt as though a traditional dance troupe was going to burst onto the stage.

Nobody anticipated the sight that awaited us. An extensive and colourful display on the tables came to light, before guests were invited for the buffet.

But this was no ordinary buffet. It was a dessert buffet! In the form of pastries and cakes, both salty and sugary. The sweetness made it an early Valentines of sorts for Effendys guests, with all the ladies holding beautiful red roses handed to them at the entrance.