Istanbul - Ancient Crossroads
For centuries, Istanbul has
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| Ciragan Palace Istambul |
been the gateway between Europe and Asia. It reflects many cultures and customs. Once known as Constantinople, it was the last capital of ancient Rome and eventually the center of the vast Ottoman Empire.
From the grandeur of the Blue Mosque to the spectacular Topakapi Palace, you won't be able to savor all this city has to offer in just one visit. The covered bazaar in the old city is a good place to start. This labyrinth of streets and passages houses more than 4000 shops. It is easy to become lost here. The street names recall the days when each trade had its own quarter: the Goldsmith's Street, the Carpet Seller's Street, and the Street of the Skullcap makers. The spice bazaar next to the Yeni Mosque transports you to fantasies from the mystical East. The enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and every other conceivable herb and spice fill the air.
Istanbul's most luxurious hotel is the Çiragan Palace Hotel Kempinski. Once the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans, the palace has been restored to its former glory and is the only luxury hotel on the European shores of the Bosphorus. The great legacy of the Ottoman Empire and its rulers is reflected in the hotel's dining options. Guests can sample the culinary riches of the sultan's palace in the same opulent surroundings enjoyed by the sultans themselves.
The exquisite Tugra Restaurant specializes in traditional Ottoman cuisine prepared using authentic recipes from the original palace kitchens. The restaurant also offers a French twist on modern Turkish cuisine at the hands of French Chef Fabrise Canelle. Tugra's eclectic menu presents a selection of fascinating choices.
The Caviar Bar Russian Restaurant echoes the rich cultural heritage and cuisine of Czarist Russia, as two Russian musicians serenade guests with the balalaika and harmonica. The menu at this unique restaurant is actually prepared by the executive chef from the Çiragan's prestigious sister hotel, The Grand Hotel Europe Kempinski in St Petersburg.
www.Çiragan-palace.com
If you don't have a 5-star hotel budget, the Sarnic Hotel is a charming, affordable alternative just moments from the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. It has a lovely restaurant with a great chef and comes highly recommended. For more information about this boutique hotel visit their web site at www.sarnichotel.com
Traditional Turkish cuisine is delicious and Istanbul offers a myriad of excellent restaurant choices. At Zeyrekhane we reveled in eggplant stuffed with onions and tomatoes, Turkish pastries filled with cheese, thin filets of lamb and dried apricots stuffed with cream. While at the Asitane Restaurant we enjoyed thin layers of crepe with stewed vegetables, chicken cooked with cinnamon and for dessert mastic-flavored rice pudding. Ulus 29 got our attention by starting us off with stuffed vine leaves, circassian chicken, hummus, and smoked Eggplant salad. A tiny Turkish Pizza with spinach, meat and cheese was followed by a saddle of Lamb with onions and potatoes or grilled sea Bass. We finished with crispy waffles dancing in sour cherry sauce.
The local candy "Turkish Delight" is a popular favorite as is this fascinating city.
