*** Please note - Sultan is back serving kebabs. This time in the Gaslamp. You can read a short post here.
This past week we decided to make our monthly drive out to El Cajon. We were craving some Turkish food from one of our favorites, Sultan. You've probably read at least one of perhaps a half dozen posts we've done on the place over the last couple of years.
Imagine our shock when we drove into the parking lot and saw "Saray Restaurant" instead of Sultan Kebab & Baklava. We were confused when we saw that the Sultan Baklava sign was still in place.
New signs, paintings, and posters adorn the interior of the place and we didn't see anyone we recognized. The folks running the place, a husband and wife team are very nice and welcoming.
The menu was a combination of Turkish and Persian dishes and a bit confusing.
More than the menu, we were kind of concerned about the (former) owner, who always made us feel welcomed, always stopping for a short chat. We hoped that he was doing okay.....
All was soon cleared up when he appeared, walking through the front door, waving to us, then coming over for a chat. He explained that between taking time for the baklava; his booth in the Famer'sMarkets, having the restaurant was getting to be too much of a burden, so he has decided to sub-lease the restaurant to this couple. He brought the owner out to chat. We found out that he was previously one of the chefs at Sufi Restaurant; the one next to Balboa Market. They took over the restaurant side of things about two weeks ago. After the chat, they both went back to the kitchen area where it looked like a whole lot of intruction was taking place........
We ended up having a decent dinner; the prices seem a bit lower and the portion sizes a tad smaller. Here's what we had. Since it looks like they're just getting started, I'll reserve my opinions until we revisit in a couple of weeks.
Saray Restaurant
131 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
We are sad to see Sultan close down the restaurant part of their operation. Sultan inspired us to travel to Turkey, a country we've fallen in love with. Yet, I fully understand why the former owner wants to dial things back and am glad that he is well.
Oh No! I hope the food remains as fabulous as it was. Looking forward to your next report.
Posted by: ken | Monday, 16 September 2013 at 06:08 AM
Hi Ken - I hope so too. The menu does like like it has been pared down with regards to the Turkish offerings.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 16 September 2013 at 06:27 AM
On the bright side, at least we'll still have (IMHO) the best baklava in the area.
Posted by: ken | Monday, 16 September 2013 at 07:41 AM
So true Ken!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 16 September 2013 at 08:21 AM
That's sad. Tina and I were thinking about going there soon. But the place was never busy when we were there. Which is a real shame because the food was soooo tasty.
Posted by: Ed (from Yuma) | Tuesday, 17 September 2013 at 11:33 AM
Hi Ed - They were quite busy when we visited during Ramadan.....I think the former owner is a bit tired and needed to cut back.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 17 September 2013 at 01:44 PM
That's pretty amazing that a restaurant (Sultan) would inspire you to actually visit a country. I need to find a restaurant here in SD that will do that for me :)
The pics of the food look delicious!
Posted by: Faye | Tuesday, 17 September 2013 at 04:41 PM
That's happened a couple of times Faye. Latin Chef inspired us to visit Peru all those years ago as well. Food does play a large role in our lives.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 17 September 2013 at 05:44 PM
Oh no, I love Sultan. So I'm guessing that per the post, the other half with baklava is still open? I am required to eat kaymak baklava at least every other week :-)
This is sad b/c it is my go to Turkish restaurant and comes closest to some of the wonderful food we had in Turkey as well. Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by: Christina C | Thursday, 19 September 2013 at 02:33 PM
Hi Christina - Yes, he's keeping the baklava and the farmer's market business going. We're quite sad about his decision to relinquish the restaurant, but it's perfectly understandable. I hope you are well!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 19 September 2013 at 07:04 PM
Nooo! I'll have to go over there on my lunch hour sometime and try the new place...hope it's at least decent.
Posted by: Jenne | Thursday, 26 September 2013 at 07:43 PM
It seemed ok when we visited Jenne, but they had just talen over, so hopefully it's better now.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 27 September 2013 at 06:15 AM
Hi Kirk,
Wife and I were in the neighborhood, so rather than going to Sultan downtown for dinner, we decided to give this place a try. We enjoy our dinner very much. The young man serving us was polite and helpful, the food was excellent as before.
Posted by: Sam W. | Wednesday, 04 February 2015 at 08:07 PM
Thanks for the update Sam! I gotta get back here....life and work has just been too busy recently!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 05 February 2015 at 06:40 AM