Nestled in the heart of Mount Prospect, A Thousand Tales Restaurant, Bakery & Cafe offers a unique and tantalizing culinary experience that transcends borders and cultures. This vibrant establishment is a true celebration of diverse cuisines, seamlessly blending the rich flavors of Turkish, Anatolian, Middle Eastern, Arab, Mediterranean, and Balkan traditions.
From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a world where every bite tells a story. The aroma of exotic spices and the warmth of traditional cooking techniques envelop you, inviting you to embark on a remarkable journey through a myriad of flavors.
With a menu that is a harmonious fusion of ancient recipes and modern interpretations, A Thousand Tales caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious explorer, each dish promises to delight your senses and leave you craving for more.
Bakery & Cafe Menu
At A Thousand Tales’ Bakery & Cafe, prepare to embark on a sweet journey through the rich flavors and traditions of Turkish and Mediterranean desserts. Indulge in our exquisite cake slices, each a masterpiece of decadence. From the velvety richness of the Chocolate Truffle Cake to the light and airy layers of the Honey Baklava Cake, every bite is a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship.
Savor the creamy delights of our milk desserts, such as the iconic Kazandibi, a heavenly blend of caramelized milk and aromatic cinnamon, or the refreshing Muhallebi, a velvety milk pudding infused with rose water and garnished with pistachios. These traditional treats are a testament to the culinary heritage of the region.
Explore our pastry counter, where an array of tempting delicacies awaits. Sink your teeth into the flaky layers of the Pogacha, a savory pastry filled with cheese or spinach, or indulge in the iconic Simit, a sesame-encrusted ring bread that has graced Turkish breakfast tables for centuries. The Achma, a buttery and flaky pastry filled with a delightful mixture of cheese and parsley, is a must-try for pastry aficionados.
No visit to A Thousand Tales would be complete without sampling our legendary Baklava. Our skilled pastry chefs meticulously layer paper-thin phyllo dough with a luscious blend of chopped nuts and syrup, creating a harmonious balance of crispy texture and sweet indulgence. From the classic Pistachio Baklava to the indulgent Chocolate Baklava, each variety is a testament to the art of Turkish confectionery.
Complement your sweet treats with our carefully curated selection of coffee and beverages. Sip on a rich Turkish Coffee, brewed to perfection using finely ground beans and served with a side of Turkish delight. For a refreshing twist, try our iced coffee options or indulge in a traditional Turkish tea, steeped to release its aromatic essence.
Breakfast
At A Thousand Tales, the breakfast menu is a delightful fusion of traditional Turkish and Mediterranean flavors. Start your day with a hearty breakfast plate, featuring perfectly cooked eggs, succulent sausages or beef bacon, tomatoes, and freshly baked bread. For a truly authentic Turkish experience, indulge in menemen, a flavorful dish of scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, and aromatic spices.
Omelette enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with a variety of fillings to choose from. Savor the classic Turkish omelette with sausage, cheese, and vegetables, or opt for the Mediterranean-inspired version with feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. For a lighter option, try the egg-white omelette, packed with nutritious veggies and lean protein.
Waffles & French Toast
At A Thousand Tales, we take pride in our delectable waffles and French toast offerings, crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of culinary artistry. Our waffles are light, fluffy, and perfectly golden, made from a secret recipe that combines the richness of buttermilk and the warmth of vanilla. Enjoy them plain or indulge in one of our tempting variations.
For the waffle connoisseur, we present the Nutella Waffle, a decadent treat that pairs our signature waffle with a generous drizzle of creamy Nutella and a sprinkling of toasted hazelnuts. The Strawberry Waffle is a sweet and refreshing delight, topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Our French toast selection is equally enticing. The Classic French Toast is a timeless favorite, made with thick-cut brioche bread soaked in a rich custard batter and grilled to perfection. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, the Stuffed French Toast is a must-try. Filled with a luscious cream cheese and berry compote, it’s a delightful blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Prices for our waffles and French toast range from $8.99 to $12.99, making them an affordable and satisfying choice for breakfast or brunch.
Cold Appetizers
At A Thousand Tales, the cold appetizer selection offers a tantalizing array of traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Begin your culinary journey with the creamy and smoky Babaganoush, a velvety eggplant dip infused with tahini, garlic, and a hint of lemon. Pair it with the restaurant’s freshly baked pide bread for an authentic taste experience.
The Hummus, a beloved classic, is a must-try. Crafted from premium chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and a blend of spices, this velvety dip is a perfect accompaniment to warm pita bread or crisp vegetables. For those seeking a burst of flavor, the Muhammara, a vibrant red pepper and walnut dip, is a delightful option.
Indulge in the refreshing Shepherd’s Salad, a medley of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The Ezme, a flavorful tomato and pepper salad, and the Haydari, a creamy yogurt dip with dill and walnuts, round out the cold appetizer offerings, providing a delightful prelude to the main course.
Chef’s Specials
At A Thousand Tales, the Chef’s Specials showcase the restaurant’s culinary mastery and commitment to authentic flavors. The Testi Kabob, a signature dish, is a must-try for meat lovers. Succulent pieces of lamb or chicken are cooked to perfection in a sealed clay pot, infusing them with the rich aromas of vegetables, herbs, and spices. The Lamb Tandır is another standout, featuring tender, slow-roasted lamb seasoned with a blend of traditional spices and served with rice pilaf and yogurt sauce.
These dishes are a testament to the chefs’ expertise in blending the diverse culinary traditions of Turkey, Anatolia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region. Each bite transports diners on a flavorful journey, offering a true taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Brick Oven Specials
At A Thousand Tales, the brick oven is the heart of the kitchen, where traditional Turkish and Mediterranean flatbreads are baked to perfection. The restaurant’s brick oven specials offer a delightful array of flavors and textures, showcasing the best of regional cuisines.
Pide (Turkish Flatbread)
Pide, a beloved Turkish staple, is a boat-shaped flatbread that is typically topped with a variety of savory ingredients. A Thousand Tales’ pide selection includes classic options like the Kaşarlı Pide, featuring a blend of Turkish cheeses, and the Kıymalı Pide, with a hearty topping of seasoned ground beef. For those seeking something more unique, the Kuşbaşılı Pide is a must-try, featuring tender chunks of lamb and a medley of vegetables.
Pizza
While pizza may seem like a familiar dish, A Thousand Tales’ pizza offerings are anything but ordinary. The restaurant’s skilled chefs infuse each pie with authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavors, creating a truly unique dining experience. Try the Sucuklu Pizza, topped with spicy Turkish sausage and bell peppers, or the Mantar Pizza, featuring a variety of mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)
Lahmacun, often referred to as Turkish pizza, is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and herbs. At A Thousand Tales, the lahmacun is a beloved menu item, with options like the classic Lahmacun and the Acılı Lahmacun, which packs a punch with the addition of spicy peppers. These delectable flatbreads are best enjoyed fresh from the brick oven, with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley.
Whether you’re craving a traditional Turkish pide, a fusion pizza, or the iconic lahmacun, A Thousand Tales’ brick oven specials are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant culinary landscapes of Turkey and the Mediterranean.
Seafood Delights
At A Thousand Tales, the seafood dishes are a true celebration of the bounties of the sea, expertly prepared to bring out their natural flavors and textures. The sea bass, a delicate and flaky white fish, is grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant blend of Mediterranean herbs, lemon, and olive oil, allowing its delicate flavors to shine.
For those who prefer a richer taste, the salmon dishes are a must-try. The salmon is pan-seared to create a crispy exterior while preserving the tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior, and served with a variety of accompaniments, such as a tangy dill sauce or a creamy lemon-garlic butter sauce.
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, A Thousand Tales’ seafood offerings are sure to delight your senses and leave you craving for more.
Conclusion
A Thousand Tales Restaurant, Bakery & Cafe offers a truly unique and memorable dining experience that transports your taste buds on a journey through the rich culinary traditions of Turkey, Anatolia, the Middle East, the Arab world, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans.
From the tantalizing array of sweet and savory pastries to the mouthwatering entrees bursting with authentic flavors, every dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast spread, a light lunch, or an indulgent dinner, A Thousand Tales has something to delight every palate. Savor the delectable cold appetizers, succulent seafood dishes, or the iconic Testi Kabob and Lamb Tandır, cooked to perfection in a traditional oven. For those with a sweet tooth, indulge in the heavenly baklava, creamy milk desserts, or treat yourself to a slice of their decadent cakes.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to embark on this culinary adventure. Visit A Thousand Tales Restaurant, Bakery & Cafe today, make a reservation to secure your table, or conveniently order online for a taste of this extraordinary dining experience. Prepare to be transported by the flavors and hospitality that make A Thousand Tales a true gem in the Mount Prospect area.