Turkish Delight: Belly Dancing Returns to Turquoise

It might be snowy, but it feels warm and exciting inside Turquoise Gourmet, where belly dancing returns after a post-holiday hiatus.

Every Saturday at 9 p.m., a belly dancer glides gracefully between tables for an hour, inspiring diners to put down their forks, clap, break into appreciative smiles and, sometimes, start dancing themselves as Turkish and Arabic music sings through the air.

Thinking of visiting? Book now. Saturdays fill quickly.

Taking turns on Saturday-night billing are dancers Birnur Siren, from Istanbul, and Jasmine Rubi Cuéllar, of Australian and Peruvian heritage. Belly dancing, originally performed by women for women, dates 6,000 years ago, with roots credited to Phoenicians, Egyptians and Turks.

Istanbul to Westchester

Owner Emin Acar is from Bakirkoy, a fishing village west of Istanbul. He opened Turquoise in 1998 in Mamaroneck, moving to its current location in 2001. A loyal following, such as the McCarthy-LeGuillou family, from Larchmont, can recite the dates with him.

"I've been coming here since it was on Mamaroneck Avenue," says Alain LeGuillou, at dinner with his wife Amy McCarthy and children Emily,12, and Ali, 18. Ms. McCarthy adds, "The children love the food. And the owner's very caring."

The menu is Turkish and Middle Eastern, such as humus, stuffed grape leaves, kebabs, and seafood. Exotic ambience derives from rich jewel colors, tapestries, and a constellation of hanging glass lanterns.

Regular Raves

Manager Necdet Kasimoglu, also from Turkey, bustles through with a platter of baklava, the fragrance of rose water wafting along. He places the pastry on a low, casual table at the front of the restaurant, where Jimmy Mrijaj is having drinks and desserts with Albanian friends and relatives from Yonkers.

 "I come here three times a week, at least, I swear," attests Mr. Mrijaj. "I love the food--the mixed grill, the kebabs, the Turkish coffee. I try everything. And I like the atmosphere. That's all I can say. I love the place."

Asked to describe his clientele, says Mr. Acar, "Our customers are all regulars. We don't get many strangers here.  Well, a few. They come, then they become regulars."

Groups of ten or more can call ahead to book a belly dancer for other nights.

1895 Palmer Ave., Larchmont. Open Monday through Sunday, noon to 11 p.m. 914-834-9888. www.turqmed.com