Boston - August 16, 2006

Turkish Delight

Turkuaz Market

A very wise man (a.k.a. Elvis Costello) once asked what was so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding. To that we say “nothing.”

Which is why you need to head to Allston’s Turkuaz Market for a dose of each. Observe.

Peace: Buy a bright, blue-glass charm dangling from thin strips of woven fabric and hang it, feng shui-style, in your happy place to ward off negative vibes.

Love: Pick up some extra-creamy Turkish feta. (If cheese doesn’t equal love, we don’t know what does.) Or grab a tub of olives, which they sell in bulk. No, dear, not for your martini. Those purpley green snacks are brined in herbs and symbolize fertility. (We’ll leave the quantity to you.)

Understanding: Perched on shelves around the store are beautiful, blown-glass hookahs in every color. Grab one, plus a little incensed tobacco. And you’ll totally understand.

On your way out, hit up managers Arif or Okan for some buttery shortbread cookies.

Be sure and tell them Elvis sent you.

Turkuaz Market, 16 Brighton Avenue, Allston (617-202-6125).