We had much more success on our next night out here in Istanbul the taxi managed to find the restaurant only about a 100 m after we passed it.
The location in the Novotel was right on the water although the docks blocked our view. It really didn't matter as our eyes were set on the mezze(appetizer) bar as we walked in and the wonderfully varied menu.
There were beautiful teal tiles on the walls and fine white linens on the tables(something we have not seen here) and while many tourists were here, locals seemed to love it as well.
We ordered a bottle of a novel rosé made from Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah called Innocent Angel from Sevilen which was very dry with citrusy notes and high acidity, perfect with the varied mezze we decided to try:
We knew we had to try the Tarama, a super spread made from fish roe that was thicker than the Greek version we know, more like a paste here and richer too; heavenly on the toasted fresh bread.
Marinated Sea Bass came and reminded me of pickled herring in cream sauce (just not pickled nor as fishy) as it was creamy with a mayo sauce and onions.
The Artichoke in EVOO was also nice and simple but tasty.
The hit was the warm Hummus served with dried Pastrami and chili oil(all fotos on FB) that we fell in love with. Grilled Octopus was tender and simply grilled with superb seasonings.
We switched to a yummy red our super server , Azer, recommended from Chamlija called Nev-i Şahsina Münhasir 2018 a wonderful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc. Merlot and Petit Verdot which came from Lüleburguaz Kiriklareli in Thrace, the region of Turkey outside Istanbul on the European side.
As we were filling up, we decided to share one main course as we know the portions are large. The Dana Çökertme was tender straps of veal cooked in a yummy yogurt and tomato sauce with shoestring potatoes underneath.
We knew that the Ritz-Carlton had sent us a small anniversary cake, so we headed back for a bite of that and bed.
One more night out before we head home Tuesday!
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