Asure Party in America

Asure Party in America Janine: Eva, Justyna and Olga are from three different European countries and they are very interested in Turkish culture. They got together to enjoy Asure day night at the Turkish Cultural Center in Manhattan organized by Turkish Women’s Association. Our crew had an opportunity to interview them to see what they think about Asure party in Turkish food. Eva: I was invited in the Asure Party that is organized by the Turkish- American Women Association. I came here to see the organization and I’ve been here and I have been attending other programs that were organized by the Turkish Cultural Center and I really enjoyed them and I hope this one will also be something good. Justyna: Actually, the first time I had contact with Turkish culture was maybe two years ago and I met some Turkish friends in the school and I was also invited to Ramadan dinner at that time and that’s was may actually the first steps to encounter the Turkish culture. And I became more interested then my farthest step was to take Turkish courses and that’s very effective way because of lack of time. Eva: I tried to learn something’s about the Asure and its tradition and what I came through was that traditionally, Asure in the meaning is representing the dialogue between multi-cultures and all the phase. I mean everything that they put it on the pudding. All the parsleys or all the other things that are put on it represent different culture and different person and they all come together and they form something that is delicious. I mean this kind of representing really stoned me. Olga: I came here for one of the events and I start talking to one of the girls and they’re like, “Oh, it would be great to have a little Turkish class.” And I said, “Well, you can do it at my house, I have a big kitchen.” So, few days later she called me and say, “So we’re coming on Saturday.” And I said, “What shall I prepare?” So, they all bring everything and so we did Borek, we did soup— we did some Tabouli, which I don’t remember the name and the event is very good. Justyna: It has definitely a great flavor of spices which I really like. It’s nothing in extent, nothing less and I actually took my friend last time and she said, “No, I don’t like lemon.” I said, “Let’s go to one Turkish restaurant and you will love the way that they prefer lamb”, and she was really amazed and I said, “That’s the way the Turks are making lamb which is really wonderful.” And this very flavor is I think is delightful. Olga: The main thing I like about Turkish food because I don’t eat meat. I can find different varieties. A lot of mezes that I actually can eat which is nice, I like Dolmas, I like sarmas, I like Mercimek Corbasi, I like—was very good there, different type of cheese and bread. Eva: My favorite is manti and kebab and also I like all the Turkish desserts, I mean like Baklava and kazandibi. I mean I’ve been trying them all and so I can say that I’m a real Turkish cuisine lover or something like that. Olga: Anybody, American or any body else who go to Turkey will find so much and they definitely would like to come back. Eva: The Turkish food, I was just let’s go with me and don’t hesitate. I will show you the best place they make meat or fish. I know some places in New York so I will definitely have something to recommend.