While spending some time in the Los Angeles area this week, Turkish-German actress Sibel Kekilli dropped by a family-owned bakery/cafe known as Mama's Secret to experience some Mediterranean cuisine. The Beverly Hills-based eatery serves a variety of Mediterranean food, but it is particularly well-known for its Turkish breakfast, Turkish coffee and Turkish black tea.
"Ms. Kekilli was extremely warm and kind," said Mama's Secret owner Alican Bayar. "I believe she found us online. In my opinion, Ms. Kekilli was one of the kindest and most humble celebrities to ever visit."
Mama's Secret opened four years ago and serves Turkish and American breakfast and lunch dishes. According to Bayar, Turkish cuisine is very popular on the East Coast of the United States, but it is just beginning to gain popularity on the West Coast. The cafe also does full-service catering for a variety of events.
"Almost all Turkish celebrities visit us when they visit Los Angeles," said Bayar. "As is our tradition, Sibel Kekilli left her hand print on our wall."
The cafe's Facebook and Instagram accounts feature a number of photos of Turkish celebrities leaving their hand prints at the business. Those celebrities include model Çağatay Ulusoy and actress Büşra Pekin, who may be unknown to most Americans, but are well-known back in their home country.
As the daughter of Turkish immigrants, Kekilli grew up eating Turkish food. The former "Game of Thrones" star mentioned her love for Turkish food when she and "A Song of Ice and Fire" author George R.R. Martin appeared on an episode of the German/French reality TV series, "Durch die Nacht." Kekilli told Martin about how she and "Game of Thrones" co-creator David Benioff had an argument comparing Turkish food to Greek food.
"David Benioff said, 'Greek food is much better.' I said, ' Have you ever tried Turkish food in Turkey.' He said, 'No, but it's the same.' I said, 'No, it's not.'"
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