Grilled salmon and rice
As my July 25 wedding approaches, I’ve noticed a beautiful ritual taking shape between my fiancé and me — one that involves forks, napkins and the quiet, shared understanding that no dish will go untasted. For both of us, this will be our second marriage, and we’ve stepped into it with gratitude, hard-earned perspective and hearts that know how to mend. We’ve each known what it means to build and rebuild. To lose, and then, somehow, to find each other. And somewhere between the laughter and the leftovers, sharing meals has become one of the ways we affirm this new chapter — bite by bite, evening by evening. Our most recent adventure brought us to Artemis Mediterranean Bistro in Montgomery, and I can say with certainty: we left happy, full and just a little bit more in love than when we arrived.
Tucked into a quiet strip on Cooper Road, Artemis may not grab your attention from the outside — but once you step through the door, you’ll understand why it was named Montgomery’s “Best Restaurant” by the Chamber of Commerce in 2023. The atmosphere is polished but welcoming, with soft lighting, crisp white tablecloths and an unpretentious warmth that sets the tone for what’s to come. Artemis doesn’t rely on Instagrammable gimmicks or trendy fusion. It simply lets the food — and the hospitality — speak for itself.
And that hospitality is sincere. Owner Mehmet Coskum, who opened Artemis with his wife Serpil in 2019, stopped by our table multiple times during the evening. He wasn’t rushing, and he wasn’t checking boxes — he was genuinely connecting. Both Mehmet and Serpil hail from Turkey, and the cuisine at Artemis reflects the flavors and feeling of Istanbul café culture: bold, layered and made with care. That blend of tradition and heart was unmistakable in every course.
We came hungry — and curious — and ordered four appetizers to start. Moderation has never been our strong suit, especially when it comes to food (or online shopping). Each dish arrived with a generous basket of fresh, warm pita, soft and slightly charred from the oven, perfect for scooping and sampling. The hummus was smooth and creamy with just the right whisper of garlic. The cold eggplant in tomato sauce was my favorite — tender, gently sweet and reminiscent of Italian caponata, with all the comfort of something slowly simmered and lovingly stirred.
My fiancé couldn’t get enough of the spicy chopped vegetables, a finely diced blend of peppers and tomatoes with enough heat to keep things interesting, but not overwhelming. We finished the mezze round with cacik, a light cucumber-and-yogurt dip seasoned with garlic and dill. Think tzatziki, but softer, cooler and mixable with the rest of the appetizers.
Pita and hummus
When it came time for entrées, our server — who answered every question with care — recommended the grilled salmon, especially popular with kosher-conscious diners. I’m so glad I listened. The fish was grilled to perfection: lightly crisped on the edges, moist and delicate inside, served with a fresh house salad and a helping of fragrant rice pilaf that deserves its own standing ovation.
Let me take a moment to talk about that rice. It wasn’t a side dish — it was a revelation. Butter is clearly the second ingredient after rice, and the result was soft, rich and indulgent, with a golden flavor that made it nearly as satisfying as dessert. I kept eating it long after my salmon was gone, savoring every bite.
My fiancé chose the chicken kebab, and I immediately regretted not stealing a bite sooner. The chicken was tender, juicy and expertly charred, with a marinade that hinted at lemon, garlic and sumac. Like so many things at Artemis, it was both simple and deeply flavorful — a dish that didn’t try to impress, and therefore completely did.
By the time we were finished with the entrees and only moderately full, dessert was still calling. I opted for the rice pudding, which was light, cool and delicately sweet — a gentle, soothing finish. But the real star? My fiancé’s pistachio baklava. One bite and we looked at each other in disbelief. It was, without question, the best baklava either of us had ever tasted. The phyllo was crisp and golden, the crushed pistachios nutty and vibrant and the syrup perfectly balanced — sweet but never cloying, rich but not heavy. It was layered perfection.
Throughout our meal, the service remained flawless. Our water glasses were never empty, empty plates disappeared quickly and everything we needed arrived before we had to ask. The staff moved with the kind of rhythm that only comes from a well-run kitchen and a team that cares.
It’s no surprise Artemis has become a beloved neighborhood spot. The Coskums bring more than recipes from Turkey — they bring a deep respect for the power of food to connect people. There’s no fanfare here, no forced trendiness. Just excellent food, warm service and a sense of place that feels familiar, even if it’s your first visit.
For two people entering a second marriage with humility and hope, a meal like this is more than just food. It’s a reminder that life offers second chances, that bashert sometimes arrives after the detours and that love can grow in the quiet space between a shared appetizer and the best baklava you’ve ever tasted.
As we count down to our wedding, one meal at a time, we’re reminded that love means never having to say you’re full — especially when there’s still another fork waiting across the table.
