On a warm July evening, Dorset residents and Stroll Dorset clients gathered around a long communal table at Depot 62 Café, where Turkish hospitality, abundant food, and lively conversation made Stroll Dorset's first Neighbors' Night Out feel like a true family dinner.

Alp Basdogan, the owner of Depot 62, built his oven and created the much-beloved restaurant to share the flavors of his home country, Türkiye, with his neighbors in Vermont. The restaurant also serves a showplace for phenomenal art pieces and textiles from Türkiye. Depot 62 was the perfect place to strengthen friendly neighborhood connections over a communal meal. 

Guests described the atmosphere as "amazing and beautiful...like stepping into a different world off Depot Street." For Jason Parris, who lived in Istanbul for three years, the evening brought back special memories. "As beautiful as the space is, it was nothing compared to the lovely hospitality provided by Alp, his son Aslan, and everyone there. It felt like a return to a magical place."

That spirit of hospitality carried through every course of the evening. Alp welcomed guests by explaining that dining in Türkiye is a family gathering and a celebration.

Guests enjoyed an abundant spread of mezzes, including warm Anatolian hummus, arugula salad with walnuts and Turkish cheese, house-made pickled vegetables, and a roasted red pepper spread, which Alp described as a favorite after-school snack for children in Türkiye. Everything was served with warm, puffy pide bread fresh from Depot 62's hand-built wood-fired oven. 

Adrienne Signor commented that “the table and the variety of different foods were amazing.”

The entrée arrived steaming to the table, featuring Adana Tavuk, a regional chicken specialty from Alp's hometown of Adana, köfte kebab, tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes served in hot earthenware pots. Rice with chickpeas and spices completed the communal meal as guests passed platters and warm bread around the table, serving one another. 

Leigh LoPresti commented, “Exposure to Turkish food was pure joy!”

“We loved the delicious and plentiful food and interesting conversations,” Paula Nassivera shared. 

Stroll Dorset's first Neighbors' Night Out proved that sharing a meal is one of the simplest ways to build community. Around Depot 62's inviting and abundant table, neighbors became friends, conversations lingered, and everyone left looking forward to the next gathering.

Depot 62 Café is located at 515 Depot Street in Manchester. Learn more at www.depot62.com.