Lotus of Siam (Red Rock,) Las Vegas NV

Lotus of Siam

Thai Coffee

Chicken Tom Kha Hot Pot – Chicken, Lemongrass, Galangal, Mushrooms, Coconut Milk, Lime Juice

Larb Plar Dook – Catfish, Onions, Cilantro, Green Onion, Chili, Rice Powder, Lime Dressing, Cabbage, Cucumbers

Nam Kao Tod – Crispy Rice, Sour Pork Sausage, Cilantro, Green Onions, Dry Chilis, Ginger, Peanuts, Lime Juice

Nam Prik Hed – Mushrooms, Green Chili, Garlic, Onion, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Carrots, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Green Beans, Cucumbers, Pork Rinds

Squid Garlic – Garlic Pepper Sauce, Fried Garlic, Cilantro

Koi Soi – Issan Style Steak Tartare, Fresh Herbs, Fresh Chilis, Dry Chili Rice Powder, Seasoned Sauce, Lime Juice

Garlic Crispy Prawns – Deep fried Prawns with Shells, Garlic Sauce, Black Pepper

Chicken Pad See Ew – Chicken, Wide Rice Noodles, Eggs, Chinese Broccoli, Black Soy Sauce

Pork Khao Soi – Egg Noodles, Coconut Cream, Red Onions, Lime, Mustard Greens

Pineapple Fried Rice – Yellow Curry Powder, Pineapple, Shrimp, Chicken

Crispy Duck Chu-Chee – Red Curry, Fingerroot, Bell Peppers

Grilled Ribeye Panang – Fresh Chilis, Dried Chilis, Coconut Milk, Thai Basil

Short Rib Yellow Curry – Curry Powder, Turmeric, Coconut Cream, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots

Coconut Tapioca – Butterfly Pea, Passion Fruit, Mango Sorbet / Deep Fried Banana Roll – Banana wrapped in a Rice Paper Crepe, Honey, Coconut Gelato / Green Tea Flan – Lychee Cream, Black Sesame Tuile / Chai Tart – Whipped Cream, Cardamom / Thai Chocolate Cake – Cinnamon, Cardamom, Vanilla Gelato / Pineapple Upside Down Cake – Shredded Coconut, Coconut Gelato, Maraschino Cherry

Already the rare Las Vegas recipient of a James Beard Foundation Award, Chef Saipin Chutima named Best Chef: Southwest in 2011, Lotus of Siam needs no introduction – though its recreation on Flamingo and fanciful digs at Red Rock suggest the Chef’s children have bigger things in mind about the Restaurant’s legacy going forward.

Having visited the unassuming icon of Thai Food thrice prior, a lunch in 2012 and two dinners separated by five years, Tuesday evening found the concept from Tao Group owner Lou Abin and Lotus of Siam’s Bua Food Group at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa as busy as it is beautiful.

Built out of former Buffet space, lanterns and hanging vines creating a vibe across spaces from bar to the back, it is with a truncated version of Chutima’s Northern Thai traditions that Lotus at Red Rock pays homage to the original despite somewhat stiff service and “running out of Ingredients” including signature Issan Sausage by 6:00pm on this particular night.

Requesting everything level five of ten, Thai Coffee a prudent choice for those looking to quell the fire, Dinner began with a hot pot of Chicken Tom Kha alongside funky Catfish Larb and flawless Nam Kao Tod with just the right amount of acid.

Replacing the Sausage with Garlic Squid, a new item that delivers on its name, round two found Nam Prik Hed face-to-face with fiery Steak Tartare teaming with Chilis and Garlic Crispy Prawns that earn “Mom’s Highlights” status with edible Shells still on.

All in on Noodles and Curry, Chicken Pad See Ew well executed but lost in the wake of creamy Burmese Khao Soi, Pineapple Fried Rice also found itself forgotten as served in line with Crispy Duck Chu-Chee, Panang Curry with medium rare Ribeye and aromatic Short Rib Yellow Curry.

Not exactly “known” for sweet stuff, though the Red Rock iteration seems intent on correcting that, Dessert arrived as a platter featuring everything from time-honored deep fried Bananas to Coconut Tapioca, Chocolate Fondant and Pineapple Upside Down Cake served warm with Coconut Gelato.

www.lotusredrock.com

Posted in Coffee, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Lotus of Siam, Lotus of Siam Red Rock, Nevada, Pork Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Randy’s Donuts (South Rainbow Boulevard) [2,] Las Vegas NV

Randy’s Donuts

Apple Fritter

Chocolate Crondy

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Raised

Maple Raised with Churros

Butter Crumb Raised

Cinnamon Roll

Roasted Coconut Raised

Coconut Raised

Maple Long John with Cream

Chocolate Long John

Bacon Maple Long John

Red Velvet Cake

Coffee Raised

Froot Loops Raised

Strawberry Jelly Filled

Raspberry Jelly Filled

Lemon Jelly Filled

Oreo Raised

S’Mores Raised

M&M’s Raised

Fruity Pebbles Raised

Matcha Tea Raised

Nutella Raised

Bear Claw

Located just off the 405 in Inglewood is Randy’s Donuts, this year celebrating its 70th year slinging fried Dough under an iconic 32-foot sign 24/7, and now growing the name globally with 20+ locations stretching to South Korea and Dubai – or in this case Sin City.

Unimpressive in 2015 at the Original, though new outposts trend cleaner without the cash-only policy, Randy’s on South Rainbow Boulevard opened in August 2022, recipes reportedly unchanged since day one though premium toppings and savory items have been added.

Busy at noon on a Monday, though a full selection was available, it was in exchange for $50 that two dozen Donuts were received, the Apple Fritter far better than those at Randy’s flagship thanks to crackling Glaze over a soft center while the laminated “Crondy” failed to rival Pink Box or Coco.

Recalling Cake Donuts greasy, Randy’s Red Velvet actually performing well, Maple Frosting is featured abundantly with taste artificial but pleasant in comparison to Chocolate that is undoubtedly cheap and applied too thick.

Doing justice to Jelly Donuts, Strawberry trumping Raspberry or Lemon, Randy’s Bear Claw is something of a hidden gem thanks to good rise and plenty of filling that trends less sweet than many thanks to an abundance of Cinnamon.

Well-priced in the current market, “cheaper-by-the-dozen” offers growing less common, Cereal-topped specials execute as expected while Maple Raised with Churros and a big spiraled Cinnamon Roll both prove worth the cost and calories.

www.randysdonuts.com

Posted in Coffee, Croissant, Croissants, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, Randy's Donuts, Randy’s Donuts Las Vegas, Randy’s Donuts Rainbow Boulevard, Randy’s Donuts South Rainbow Boulevard Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pier Habib, Istanbul TR

Pier Habib

Süt Baklava

Founded by Mucahid Kaan Damgacı Pier Habib seeks to differentiate itself from other Baklava purveyors through modernity, the tiny tiled space in Beşiktaş decorated in everything from tiles to disc balls while friendly servers offer crispy Phyllo soaked in sweetened Milk.

Intentionally a fusion of French and Arabic names, embroidered carpets making Pier Habib seem as much like a luxury goods store as a Dessert shop, the East-West fusion continues by way of ingredients such as Bananas and Chocolate though the best bites remain rooted in Pistachios from Antep light with Honey and sopping wet yet still crunchy.

www.pierhabibkw.com

Posted in Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Istanbul TR, Pier Habib, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Beşiktaş Çitir Pide Ve Lahmacun Salonu, Istanbul TR

Beşiktaş Çitir Pide Ve Lahmacun Salonu

Salad

Çitir Karisik Pide

Soganli Lahmacun

Open from 11h00 until 04h00 the next day daily Çitir Pide Ve Lahmacun Salonu in Beşiktaş has earned a reputation for quality and affordability, the menu focused but customizable while every piece of Bread is baked fresh to order.

Fast paced and popular, limited seating frequently full but fast to turnover, it is once at a table that fresh Salad is served complimentary while guests watch bakers fulfill order after order.

Friendly in terms of service, language barriers overcome thanks to picture menus, Kebap and Corbasi take a backseat to Pide including the “Special” with Pastrami, Sausage and Cheese while Lahmacun with a good amount of Meat arrives hot and crisp for about $2USD.

Posted in Çitir Pide Ve Lahmacun Salonu, Food, Istanbul, Pizza, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Yeni Lokanta, Istanbul TR

Yeni Lokanta

Garlic Pastry, Parsley, Smoked Butter

Yeni Mantı Dumplings, Beef, Dill Oil, Paprika Oil

Olive Oil Braised Beetroot, Dried Sour Cherries, Hazelnuts, Ezine Cheese

Aubergine, Erzincan Tulum Cheese, Mahlep, Port, Figs, Almonds

Lamb Sausage, Denizli Burnt Yogurt, Kilis Grapes, Mulberry Molasses

Citrus Salad, Pomelo, Grapefruit, Orange, Fennel, Spicy Sour Cherry Sorbet

Mersin Prawns, Carrot Spread, Ginger, Pistachio, Za’atar

Lamb Neck, Porcini Mushroom, Spinach, Tamarind

Tea

Tonka Flavored Rice Pudding, Sugar Floss, Hazelnuts, Raspberries

Katmer, Pistachio, Coconut Ice Cream

Focused on re-envisioned Turkish delicacies, lighter and more balanced than those on nearby Istikal Caddesi, Yeni Lokanta has found itself on many “lists” despite a casual approach that focuses on local Ingredients and traditional techniques.

Conidered a “Tavern” in Beyoğlu, though the relaxed atmosphere still comes with great service, Chef Civan Er mans a wood-fired oven that produces plates focused mainly on Vegetables though Meats are also utilized across both a la carte and Tasting Menus.

Offering mostly Anatolian Wines, a second location in London spreading Er’s name and reputation, it is beginning with Bread that the 1,950 Lira journey progresses to traditional Mantı Dumplings followed by slow-cooked Beets with Cherries, Nuts and Cheese.

Committed to seasonality with Eggplant, aged Port and Figs course four places housemade Lamb Sausage next to a dollop of smoky Yogurt balanced by Grapes and Molasses with just a hint of acid.

Almost Italian with Fennel and Citrus Salad, a pair of Prawns to follow finding themselves amplified by Carrots and complex aromatics, Lamb Neck finishes savories with tender flesh plus crispy bits juxtaposing Mushrooms and Spinach kissed by Tamarind.

Served complimentary Tea with Dessert, both portions and quality outpacing Michelin-starred neolocal or Mikla, Yeni Lokanta’s Desserts include golden Phyllo with Pistachios plus Coconut Ice Cream and masterful Rice Pudding lent complexity by Raspberries, Nuts and Pismaniye.

www.yenilokanta.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Istanbul, Tasting Menu, Turkey, Vacation, Yeni Lokanta, Yeni Lokanta Istanbul Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sadrazam Turkish Delight & Cafe, Istanbul TR

Sadrazam Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight

Although it is reasonable to assume none of the Lokum or Baklava is made on-site the team in charge of Sadrazam has Turkish hospitality down to a science, inviting passers-by in for a taste that will see many eventually seated on a carpeted terrace with everything from Ottoman Coffee to Dondurma plus some Candies vacuum sealed to take home.

Posted in Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Sadrazam, Sadrazam Turkish Delight, Sadrazam Turkish Delight & Cafe, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sirinfirin Bakery, Istanbul TR

Sirinfirin Bakery

Menemen, Bread

Fıstıklı Baklava

Chocolate and Pistachio Cinnamon Roll

Situated not far from Galata Tower is Sirin firin Bakery, a space perhaps best known for an international melange of sweets but one that also serves excellent Menemen plus Tea, Borek and several Turkish staples.

Small and hidden on a one-way street, limited inside seating and a covered part of the sidewalk greeting guests daily, it is with flare for the #gram that a youthful staff serves designer Croissants plus Basque Cheesecake, though if one asks for a recommendation the oversized Baklava slice and buttery spiral with Nuts and Chocolate are pretty tough to beat.

Posted in Bread Basket, Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Sirin firin, Sirin firin Bakery, Sirinfirin, Sirinfirin Bakery, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Viyana Kahvesi Kuledibi, Istanbul TR

Viyana Kahvesi

Coffee

Lotus Cookie

Lotus Croissant with Strawberry

Paris Brest

Creamy Damascus

With eleven locations in Istanbul Viyana Kahvesi seeks to embellish on Vienna Coffee culture, the Beans originally imported by Turkey of better quality than other local shops while Pastries trend westward to Austria, France and Belgium.

Spread over two stories at the Kuledibi location, an online menu available in English helpful to foreigners, fans of Biscoff will find the Cookie well-represented from Pudding to Puree with both the infused-Cookie and laminated Pastry benefiting from its inclusion.

Working with various techniques, Pate a Choux holding up well to Hazelnut Cream and Salted Caramel in between layers of a Paris Brest, “Creamy Damascus” comes recommended as something of a signature featuring lightly-sweetened Crackers and Pistachios in two forms beneath a pour of Dark Chocolate.

www.viyanakahvesi.com

Posted in Breakfast, Coffee, Croissant, Croissants, Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Turkey, Vacation, Viyana Kahvesi, Viyana Kahvesi Kuledibi Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mikla Restaurant, Istanbul TR

Mikla Restaurant

Mavi Kelebek – Uzum Kizi, Peach Puree, Lemon, Lavender, Blue Butterfly Tea

Flax Bread, Black Pepper, Black Radish, Hummus  /  Lavash, Dried Goose, Goose Fat

Fish Crisp, Lemon Yogurt, Chives

Smoked Bonito, Dill, Bread

Sheep’s Milk Butter, Cow’s Milk Butter, Anatolian Olive Oil, Whole Wheat Sourdough

Zeyrinyagli – Sakiz Artichoke, Olive Oil, Sorrel, Vegetable Puree

Dried Beef – Beef Sirloin, Sevketi Bostan, Pickled Artichoke Stem, Radish, Isot Chili, Chestnut, Lime Vinegar

Soup – Red Lentils, Red Pepper, Tomatoes, Yogurt

Octopus – Sarose Octopus, Kohlrabi, Turmeric

Sea Bass – Karnikirmizi Bean, Calamari, Mussel, Capers, Halhali Olives, Fig Vinegar

Braised Lamb – Walnut Paste, Wild Cabbage, Sumac, Salted Yogurt, Cumin

Pumpkin – Saffron Yogurt Ice Cream, Sesame Paste, Walnut & Apple Molasses, Hemp Seeds

A Michelin Star recipient, with a privileged view atop The Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla Restaurant features Chef Mehmet Gürs’ “New Anatolian Cuisine” in a room designed to attract tourists and Turkish elite.

Offered a la carte, or as a 3,400 Lira Tasting Menu for six courses plus Canapes and Bread, it is after exiting the elevator that guests are seated at linen-topped tables with Cocktails or Wine soon in hand.

Focused on Turkey’s natural diversity, but also employing an eye towards innovation, Gürs current menu begins with Balık Ekmek offered as a two-bit Cracker before transitioning to savory Lavash with Goose and smoky Bonito with a quenelle of Dill.

Fairly standard in its progression, the first proper course a petite Vegetable medly centering on Artichoke, Gürs Beef Carpaccio sees the Vegetable’s Stem pickled as an accouterment alongside Chestnuts and Chilis.

Next cleansing the palate with Mercimek Corbası, the coil of Octopus to follow tender but a little overworked, Sea Bass represents the only sizable piece of Protein on Mikla’s menu but largely gets lost in the wake of Olives, Capers and Vinegar.

Unsurprisingly closing with Lamb, well prepared with bold aromatics, Dessert arrived after twenty-five minutes and found just two spoonfuls of Pumpkin Cream juxtaposing Saffron and Sesame.

www.miklarestaurant.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Istanbul, Mikla, Mikla Restaurant, Octopus, Tasting Menu, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Çiya Kebab, Istanbul TR

Çiya Kebab

Mercimek Corbası – Red Lentil Soup, Garlic, Tomato, Olive Oil, Onion, Mint, Red Pepper, Bazlama Bread

Icli Kofte – Bulgur Wheat, Lamb, Beef, Walnut, Onion, Pepper

Lahmacun – Pita, Tomato, Parsley, Pepper, Garlic

Spicy Lamb Kebab – Onions, Sumac, Parsley, Tomato, Corbaci Pepper, Bazlama

Ciya Kebab – Kaymak, Parsley, Tomato, Corbaci Pepper

Babaganoush – Lamb, Beef, Roasted Aubergine, Pepper, Tomato, Garlic, Durum Wheat Lavaş

Çiya Sofrası and Kebab occupy opposite sides of a busy street in Kadıköy where Chef and owner Musa Dağdeviren has created a destination for not only grilled Meats and Mezze but also a lively atmosphere.

Part of Istanbul’s Anatolian coast, the Kebab Restaurant later giving way to Çiya Sofrası and its fame, guests here are situated across three floors where the menu offers a well-culled list of items prepared traditionally including complex Mercimek Corbası and golden Dumplings generously stuffed with ground Meat.

A growing business with three locations, all a few meters apart, Ciya’s Lahmacun arrives beautifully crisp with Toppings well-balanced while Spicy Lamb Kebab doesn’t hold back in its liberal application of Peppers.

Part of the dining scene since 1998, five men in an open kitchen working fast on the ground floor, Babaganoush is served more chunky than those elsewhere and whether one choose this or the signature Ciya Kebab wrapped in Pastry the results are impressive across-the-board.

www.ciya.com.tr

Posted in Bread Basket, Çiya Kebab, Food, Istanbul, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Beyaz Fırın Kadıköy, Istanbul TR

Beyaz Fırın Kadıköy

Americano, Chocolate

Çilekli Alman Pastası

Tuzlu – Cheese, Walnut, Pistachio, Lamb & Peppers

Lokma

Almond Croissant

Begun in Balat as a Simit shop by Kozma Stoyanof the story of Beyaz Fırın dates back to the 1800s, and five generations later it is still the same family delighting locals as well as tourists with Pastries in Kadıköy.

Located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, the store itself bridging a street not far from the Bosphorus, it is inside close quarters that everything from Turkish treats to Viennoiserie is offered, small balls called Lokma crackling to yield Syrup while Tuzlu sold by weight range from Nuts to “Pizza.”

Offering outside heated seating beneath an awning, perfect to watch passers-by, Coffee comes from Julius Meinl and pairs equally well to an Almond Croissant that would benefit from a longer proof and Strawberry Buns with Cream inside.

www.beyazfirin.com

Posted in Beyaz Fırın, Beyaz Fırın Kadıköy, Coffee, Croissant, Croissants, Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Faruk Güllüoğlu (Sıraselviler Cd. No:7/A,) Istanbul TR

Faruk Güllüoğlu

Tea

Baklava

Künefe

With locations throughout Turkey Faruk Güllüoğlu is almost as well known as Hafiz Mustafa, their stores on opposite sides of Taksim Square Hotel suggesting a rivalry while the line of products do the same.

Available for dine-in or take out, a full line of Baklava carefully stacked next to Cakes and Lokum, it is with Tea in hand that guests are invited to sit at wood tables, a selection of layered Phyllo with Walnuts or Pistachios each impeccable while the Künefe delivered fifteen minutes later was loaded with stretchy Cheese juxtaposing crisp Wheat sweetened by Syrup poured tableside.

www.farukgulluoglu.com

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Faruk Güllüoğlu, Faruk Güllüoğlu Sıraselviler Cd. No:7/A, Faruk Güllüoğlu Taksim, Food, Istanbul, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Polo Pastanesi, Istanbul TR

Polo Pastanesi

Tea

Asure Pudding – Bulgur Wheat, Wheat Berry, Apricots, Raisins, Currants, Figs, Pine Nuts, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Chickpeas, Beans

Baklava

Featuring hundreds of sweets and savories a cursory look at Polo Pastanesi can be overwhelming, and although all the housemade Cookies may seem tempting it would be fool’s folly to overlook exemplary Baklava or one of Istanbul’s most popular Puddings.

www.polopastanesi.com

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Polo Pastanesi, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mürver, Istanbul TR

Mürver

2021 Yukseltan Riesling

Sourdough, Butter, Goat’s Cheese

Pear from Brick Rock Oven, Obruk Cheese, Rocket, Almond, Fennel

Duck Topik, Cinnamon, Cherry, Hummus, Walnut, Olive Oil

Clover Smoked Lamb Shoulder, Quince, Tarragon, Walnut

Bükme, Sourdough, Beef, Herb Yogurt, Cubuk Pickles

Burnt Antep Pistachio, Cherry Ice Cream, Sweet Basil

Charred Pumpkin, Tahini Sauce, Pumpkin Seeds, Black Cumin Ice Cream

Located on the Novotel İstanbul Bosphorus rooftop Mürver features the cooking of Chef Mevlüt Özkaya, a focus on seasonal open-fire cooking yielding big flavors that pair well to Turkish Wines and a privileged view of the Golden Horn plus Asia.

A trendy spot by Turkish standards, with music and a lounge setting the tone, it is en route to seats that guests will notice an open kitchen where fire burns brightly turning out everything from small plates to large format shareables and a Tasting Menu.

Centered on the oven, a youthful team working quietly, warm Sourdough arrives to accompany crisp local Riesling with an Arugula Salad, smoky Pears and cave-aged Sheep’s Cheese soon to follow.

Known for grilled Octopus as well as Confit Duck with cold Hummus, Cherries and Walnuts, it comes as no surprise that Lamb is featured in several forms including smoked Shoulder served rare between Quince and Walnuts.

With the Restaurant since day one, Chef Özkaya officially taking the reins in 2021, Bükme elevates comfort Food with flaky Pastry containing Beef ready to be dipped in Yogurt while housemade Pickles cleanse the palate between bites.

Raised at Grandma’s elbow in the kitchen with training furthered at some of Turkey’s top tables Dessert sees Mürver update classics with technique and quality produce, the “Burnt Antep Pistachio” something of a Pave beneath assertive Ice Cream while Charred Pumpkin dances thanks to savory Sauce and a cold perfume of Cumin.

www.murverrestaurant.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Istanbul, Mürver, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Beyzade Künefe & Kahvaltı Karaköy, Istanbul TR

Beyzade

Tea, Nuts, Fruit, Corn

Fistikzade

Künefe

An offshoot of the original in Alibeyköy Beyzade Künefe & Kahvaltı Karaköy dials in on its eponymous items amidst classy confines near Galata Port.

Open from 08h00 until 01h30 daily with prices on par with Hafiz Mustafa and others, it is once seated that guests are presented with Tea plus complimentary snacks including Pistachios, Fruit and Corn Nuts.

Told Künefe takes about 15 minutes with various sizes available, time passed quickly while enjoying Fistikzade made from both Shredded Wheat and Phyllo, Künefe arrives piping hot but a bit short on Cheese beneath powdered Pistachios.

www.beyzadebaklavakunefe.com

Posted in Beyzade, Beyzade Karaköy, Beyzade Künefe & Kahvaltı, Beyzade Künefe & Kahvaltı Karaköy, Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cafe Mendel’s Chocolatier , Istanbul TR

Cafe Mendel’s

Americano

Pull Me Lotus

Mendel’s Cake

Consistently busy in Beşiktaş Cafe Mendel’s Chocolatier comes from Atahan Yersel and Emre Palancı, the duo’s Instagram-friendly Desserts drawing a crowd that can linger inside or outdoors from 09h00 until late at night.

First and foremost a Chocolate Maker, the cousins growing up in a family of Bakers and Pastry Chefs, it is with a focus on freshness that Mendel’s crafts Truffles featuring everything from Caramel to Fruit and Tahini while quality Beans are used to make Coffee far better than other spots nearby.

Using Callebaut and clearly fancying Belgium Mendel’s menu continues with everything from skillet Brownies to Macarons, but for those seeking signatures the triple-tiered Cream Puff and ice-cold “Pull Me Lotus” featuring Biscoff and Layer Cake are pretty tough to beat.

www.mendels.com.tr

Posted in Cafe Mendel’s, Cafe Mendel’s Chocolatier, Coffee, Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Mendel’s, Mendel’s Chocolatier, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Karaköy Lokantası, Istanbul TR

Karaköy Lokantası

Wheat Bread

Tzatziki

Sultan’s Delight

Roast Chicken Fillet with Potatoes and Yogurt, Tomato Sauce

Grilled Meatballs with White Bean Salad

Lamb Manti, Brown Butter, Yogurt

Family operated since 2000 Karaköy Lokantası is located on the ground floor of Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus, their Bib Gourmand status suggesting good Food at a bargain price though service at lunch is lacking.

Featuring a tiled interior and terrace, plus a rotating selection of Mezze, it is at lunch that the Restaurant takes on traditional plates in limited format – the Tzatziki offered without accompaniment save for room-temperature Wheat Bread lacking both flavor and freshness.

Designed as a “workers’ cafeteria,” though the crowd is mostly men in suits, Entrees include basic Chicken in Tomato Sauce or Grilled Lamb Meatballs versus competent Hünkar Beğendi and Lamb Dumplings topped in fragrant Yogurt.

www.karakoylokantasi.com

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Dönerci Engin’in Yeri, Istanbul TR

Dönerci Engin’in Yeri

Üç Çeyrek Tavuk Döner

Focused exclusively on Doner in the streets surrounding Galata Tower Dönerci Engin’in Yeri takes up perhaps half a storefront, their rotating spit of Meat yielding good flavor at a fair cost though in comparison to Karadeniz Döner Asım Usta in Beşiktaş the lack of Fresh Bread or quality Produce holds the finished Product back.

Posted in Dönerci Engin'in Yeri, Food, Istanbul, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The World Needs Nata, Istanbul TR

The World Needs Nata

Espresso

Pastel de Nata, Queijadas De Sintra

Known also as Nata Lisboa The World Needs Nata is a small chain with a location near Galata Tower that offers a range of Pastries including the eponymous Egg Custard Tart from Portugal.

Franchised from Berlin to Abu Dhabi, the recipes and ovens conforming to traditional standards, guests are invited to lounge in cozy confines with Coffee in hand while indulging in everything from Red Velvet Cookies and Cheesecake to a respectable Nata or Cheese Tart brightened by Cinnamon.

www.natalisboa.com

Posted in Coffee, Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Nata Lisboa, The World Needs Nata, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kıztaşı Muhallebicisi, Istanbul TR

Kıztaşı Muhallebicisi

Tea

Revani, Kaymak

Firin Sutlac – Baked Rice Pudding

Şekerpare, Baklava

Known for their housemade Kaymak and Milk Pudding Kıztaşı Muhallebicisi is a small shop in Fatih frequented by locals from early until late daily.

Tucked away on a quiet street with only a few seats it is from friendly owners that recommendations flow freely, the Semolina Dessert described as Revani actually more like Pudding than Cake while Rice Pudding and Baklava fresh from the oven both compare favorably to any other tasted in Turkey.

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Istanbul, Kıztaşı Muhallebicisi, Turkey, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,