A new dining spot in the State College area, Kitchen Garden, is set to officially open its doors for breakfast and lunch on February 10, following a successful soft opening this week. The restaurant promises to offer a delightful mix of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, paired with the warmth of Turkish hospitality.
Owner Fatih Erkan, who brings firsthand experience from working in a similar breakfast-focused establishment in Turkey, is excited to share his love for Turkish food and culture. “Turkish people are big on breakfast,” Erkan said. “People who visit Turkey quickly realize two things: the importance of breakfast, and the love for cats. Turkish breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
A New Chapter in State College
After moving to State College to pursue a graduate degree in cybersecurity at Penn State, Erkan and his family found the area to be an ideal place to settle. The region’s safety and family-friendly atmosphere made it the perfect location to launch his new restaurant. “We believe our community deserves a healthy, yet delicious dining option,” Erkan said. “It’s not always easy to combine the two, but our strength is blending health with great taste.”
With the goal of introducing traditional Turkish breakfasts and lunch options to the community, Erkan hopes Kitchen Garden will become a local favorite.
The Turkish Breakfast Experience
While the restaurant’s menu will feature classic breakfast options, the standout offering is the traditional Turkish breakfast spread. This hearty meal includes a variety of small dishes, including eggs, sujuk (a spicy Turkish sausage), olives, cheeses, and more. “It’s not just a meal — it’s a part of Turkish culture,” Erkan explained.
During the soft opening, the restaurant focused on serving coffee, pastries, and desserts, but the full breakfast and lunch menu will be available starting February 10. Erkan has already noticed a few fan favorites emerging, particularly the Anatolian cheese pastries, which have sold out daily. Another popular item is börek, a flaky pastry filled with ingredients like spinach, beef, cheese, or potatoes.
Traditional Drinks and International Flair
In addition to the food, Kitchen Garden offers a variety of traditional Turkish beverages, including Turkish tea and ayran, a yogurt-based drink that complements the rich flavors of the cuisine.
Erkan is committed to maintaining authenticity in every dish. “If we’re making a traditionally Belgian or Italian dessert, we use Belgian or Italian ingredients and recipes,” he explained, ensuring that each dish stays true to its origins.
Mediterranean Ambiance and Future Plans
The restaurant’s décor has also been a focal point for Erkan. “We spent a lot of time on the decorations. When customers walk in, they’ll feel like they’ve stepped into a Mediterranean world,” he said, aiming to transport diners to another place through both food and atmosphere.
Looking ahead, Erkan hopes to expand the restaurant’s hours to include dinner service. He also plans to dedicate part of the 6,000-square-foot space for special events and private dining. “We’re still decorating, but we want it to be one of the fanciest private dining rooms in all of Pennsylvania,” he said. “We want to be the go-to place for special occasions.”
A Warm Welcome and Exceptional Hospitality
Reflecting on the soft opening and the excitement ahead, Erkan emphasized the importance of customer experience. “We’re not just offering food and décor; we’re offering Turkish hospitality. When people walk in, they’re our guests, and we want them to feel at home.”
Kitchen Garden is located at 2137 S. Atherton St. in Hills Plaza, State College. The restaurant is currently open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with plans for online ordering soon.
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