We don't normally try out newly opened places, don't like being guinea pigs at places as try to…read morefigure it out. Cafe 34 wasn't one of those places.
We wanted a light brunch as we had lunch plans, saw their instagram reel and Cafe 34 looked pleasant enough to give it a try. We walked in and were pleasantly surprised it didn't look like they were a restaurant that was re-treading the previous one-everything was new, kinda modern but definitely not sterile with no character, a place that felt welcoming but not pretentious, a place to grab breakfast where you felt ok to enjoy your coffee without feeling they wanted you out of there once you finished your last bite. Cozy but not homey.
We're not Turkish, not even close to Mediterranean, so not well-versed in the offerings of Cafe 34, and we're guessing most of the customers aren't either, so they had little descriptions of their offerings. We tried their Simit or sesame bagel; the Poğaça or savory bun with olives; and the Açma, a chocolate sweet bun, and a Turkish coffee.
The Simit isn't like a NYC bagel, big, thick, voluminous, it is a lighter version, bigger hole, meant to be enjoyed as a roll rather than a meal stuffed with cream cheese or lox. The Simit is more subtle-lighter, less chewy, more a crafted bread than a vehicle for a spread. Its volume seems like half a NYC bagel, the sesame is more delicate, enjoyable without the calories or volume of a NYC bagel. Felt good about myself after eating a Simit, and it was delicious on top of that.
The Poğaça was a savory bun filled with olives-these didn't taste harsh like American olives, but like a tapenade that didn't slap you, but was flavorful nevertheless. As it was being enjoyed, the realization that Turkish pastries weren't being Americanized to American tastes but were allowed to shine for what they are-subtle, delicate, flavorful but not excessive.
The Açma reminded me of the Babka from New York's Russ and Daughters. Neither uses cheap chocolate, the flavor and sweetness don't overwhelm the final product. It's as close to babka without buying a plane ticket, but it stands on its own too, a little crunch because of the baking was a great textural contrast to an otherwise pillowy soft creation. Not Leonard's malasada soft, but soft with a bit of chew.
The Turkish coffee was good and strong, but for the faint of heart it doesn't curl nose hairs; rich, a hair thick in a sort of demitasse cup. Not pure caffeine, it accompanies the pastries it's served with.
I'd come back to Cafe 34 to try their breakfast offerings, anticipating their dishes will be prepared with the same thoughtfulness and skill as what we tried today. A bright and tasty addition to the food scene on Broadway and Burlingame! Thank you, and welcome!