Northern Liberties Business Improvement District is proud to announce the grand opening of Pera Turkish Cuisine, at 944 N. 2nd Street, in the very heart of the Northern Liberties Restaurant Row. Pera will bring Turkish cuisine to the growing mix of acclaimed international cuisine in the fast growing food neighborhood. Former roommates, friends, school mates and now business partners Eric Tunc and Chef Mehmet Ergin are both from Turkey and are living the American dream by moving to America and opening their first restaurant together. For layout, Pera is 1,000 square feet of dining space with a partially open kitchen, with a dining room that seats 36 people. Decor includes authentic Turkish decor and handmade plates from Turkey, beautiful exposed brick, unique lighting, ornate tiles and black walnut tables. For cuisine, the menu is a mix of traditional taste with modern presentation. Pera is BYO and the owners are happy to make wine and spirit recommendations. Pera's grand opening leads off six weeks and six grand openings for Northern Liberties, which will soon announce details for openings that will include The Shake Seafood, Ray's Reusables, 70six Boutique, Wag Watch and 1040 Creative Art Center and Gallery. Pera follows other recent openings that have included Figo Ristorante, Figo Pizzeria, Set NoLibs, Anejo Philadelphia, SUYA SUYA West African Grill, Parmigiana and others. Six more businesses will also soon be announced and or grand opening in late spring and into summer. The fast growth in retail and restaurants is just in time for the population growth of the neighborhood, which will literally double in size within two years.