J. M.
After experiencing the magical Forest of Lights winter wonderland in Quechee, VT, my wife and I decided to cap off the evening with dinner at Tuckerbox, a Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant in White River Junction. We booked a reservation for 7:30 PM, and though parking was a bit challenging due to what seemed like an event in the area, we eventually found a spot close by and enjoyed a short walk to the restaurant.
The ambiance at Tuckerbox was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and a cozy, elegant vibe. The staff was attentive and welcoming, which made for an exceptional dining experience.
To start off, we ordered the Turkish Meze Platter (small, $14.99) - a perfect choice for sharing. The platter included a delightful assortment of haydari, hummus, babaganoush, Turkish salsa, stuffed grape leaves, and lavash bread, with fresh veggie sticks for a gluten-free option. Each bite was bursting with authentic flavors, and the variety made it an excellent introduction to Turkish cuisine.
For dinner, I had the Lamb Stuffed Eggplant (Karnıyarık) ($22.99) - a beautifully fire-roasted eggplant stuffed with seasoned ground lamb, tomato, red pepper, onion, garlic, and parsley. It was served with rice pilav and a refreshing yogurt cucumber sauce. The dish was rich, flavorful, and perfectly paired with the recommended Angora wine.
My wife chose the Lamb Meatball Güveç (Köfteli) ($23.99) - tender grilled lamb meatballs cooked with tomato, mushroom, onion, pepper, and eggplant. It was hearty and delicious, and the Angora wine complemented it beautifully.
For dessert, we shared the Tahini & Helva Brownie ($9.99) - a dark chocolate brownie stuffed with Turkish helva and topped with a marbling of tahini. Served with crème fraîche, it was a decadent and unique finish to our meal.
Tuckerbox exceeded our expectations with its fantastic food, charming atmosphere, and excellent service. We highly recommend it for anyone craving authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine!
Celiac friendly
