I decided to have lunch at the Istanbul Cafe after learning that it was included in a program that gives me airline miles when I dine. Not worth the few miles I'll have earned for my visit.

I was seated quickly -- which was no surprise, as the dining room was virtually empty -- and my waiter brought my warm pita bread and salad promptly. The Spring Mix salad was an interesting blend of greens and dressed with a very light dressing that seemed essentially a vinegar and oil (one gets no choice; that's what comes on the house salad). The pita was less enjoyable; it seemed as if it had been reheated before, as it was far too crispy around the edges.

For my entree I chose the Adana Kebab, a blend of seasoned ground beef and lamb, formed around a skewer and grilled. It came with rice pilaf and grilled veggies (mostly carrots and green beans). Lunchtime "special": $11.

The kebab was too heavily seasoned; far too much cumin and salt. The veggies were practically swimming in oil, and the rice was bland.

To top it all off, the service was incredibly slow, especially considering that they had two servers and, when I left, three tables at the most.

But I almost forgot: the second server (not my waiter) saw me sitting at my table on my BlackBerry after finishing my salad and brought me my check before my entree arrived. A little odd, to say the least.

As they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. In the case of the Istanbul Cafe, I will not likely be visiting a second time.