Semra’s adds spice in Rehoboth

After introducing Rehoboth Beach to its fresh, homemade Turkish- and Greek-style food over the summer, Semra’s Mediterranean Grill is ready to take things to the next level. And yes, that includes belly dancing.

Semra’s, 19 Rehoboth Ave., opened Memorial Day, and now native Turks John and Semra Tekman have completed interior renovations, installing hardwood floors and brightening the interior. John Tekman said Semra plans to go back to Turkey for Christmas and will bring back decorations to enhance the restaurant's Mediterranean theme.

Turkish and Greek favorites such as gyros, yogurt and falafel highlight the menu, and now Semra’s also offers a market within the restaurant.

“Eventually what I want to do is expand out and add Greek products and Russian products and try to encompass a lot of different foods,” Tekman said.

He said for now, most market items are Turkish and include many of the ingredients for dishes offered at Semra’s, such as rice, grape leaves, Turkish jams, cheeses, pomegranate syrup, tomato and red pepper paste, as well as snacks and Turkish black tea.

“My wife wants everyone to try the tea. She’s determined to get everyone hooked on it,” Tekman said. “We started small, but we’re going to keep expanding it and adding more and more stuff.”

The market is also a chance to play to a growing demand in the area.

“There’s a good Turkish population here. So we thought it would be a good thing for them to have a place where they can get Turkish products or Mediterranean products,” Tekman said. “It turned out that we’re getting more and more of the locals. There seems to be a demand for it. We’re just filling that void.”

He explained, “The season is winding down, we have more time, more flexibility. When we opened the doors, we just didn’t have time to make changes. Now that the season is over, it’s a good time to do it.”

Tekman said while most of the interior renovations have been completed, he wants to open up the back of the restaurant as a private dining room or additional space for the busy summer months.

Semra’s is also dipping its toes into the special events market, in its own unique way of course. On Saturday, Dec. 15, Semra’s will be hosting a dinner and belly dancing show by Greek dancer Kalilah Naia.

“We wanted to do something special and unique. We wanted people to have the full Mediterranean experience, and nothing is more Mediterranean than a belly dancer,” Tekman said.

He said the belly dancing dinner is planned for one night only, but if there are enough reservations, a second show will be added. For $45 per person, patrons can enjoy the show and a full menu of salad, appetizer, entrée, desserts and drinks. Tekman said reservations can be made by calling 226-4976. Large groups could be offered discounts.

The Tekmans had never owned a restaurant before opening Semra’s. John has lived in Delaware since moving from Turkey when he was 4, while Semra moved to the U.S. 20 years ago.

Semra’s is a true family operation.

“It is homestyle cooking,” Tekman said. “She learned everything from her mother and grandmother. We’d all be in heaven if we could get her mother to come down. My wife’s a great cook; her mother is a phenomenal cook.”

Semra’s is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.