Tucked in a popular San Francisco neighborhood is Restaurant Lolo. Lolo is one of the most name-dropped restaurants among my friends (I have yet to try their cuisine), but the decor, ambiance and the delicious food seems to be a favorite among my peeps. Read my interview below…

Why Loló?
Loló more than anything stems from a great friendship. My partner, Jorge Martinez and I just wanted to do something together. Jorge had been in the restaurant business for many years successfully running Olé Madrid in San Diego as well as i Latina and Anita Li restaurants in Guadalajara. I was coming full circle back into the restaurant business; it had been my family business back in Turkey. We thought that it would be an interesting idea to bring together the culinary traditions of Mexico and Turkey.

The three most requested dishes at Loló are:
1. Taco Tropical
2. Octopus Tiradito
3. Heirloom Salad with Feta Mousse

The Usuals…

Why do you do what you do?
It’s seems that it’s in my blood. I tried doing everything else really. Since I grew up in this business I tried to get as far away from it as possible. Somehow I never stopped cooking and now that I am back in it I could not be happier. I catch myself coming home after a 16 hour day with a big grin on my face. Most of what I remember fondly from my childhood is connected to food. It’s my connection to my past.

What makes you want to wake up in the morning?
It’s pretty easy for me. I like that small sense of accomplishment you get from getting things done. I like to keep busy.

Who is your inspiration?
My business partner, Jorge Martinez. He’s somehow managed to keep a balance between a happy family life and this very taxing business.

If you were given the chance to relive your life all over again, who would you be?
I’m pretty happy with the way things are.

What is your favorite Lolo dish?
Venison Carpaccio

Your three rules to live by?
I never thought of these as rules and I certainly have more than three but it’s important for me to have empathy, to throw myself into things I don’t necessarily feel comfortable with and to remember that there’s nothing new under the sun.

Your must-have Turkish meal?
Whole roasted fish that I just caught.

Your city/country of origin?
Bodrum, Turkey.

Your proudest accomplishment?
My many friends in all sorts of places.