Selimiye Birtat
Birtat: An Offal Legend from Selimiye to Koşuyolu It would be an exaggeration to say that Birtat left its mark on all of Istanbul, or on an entire generation. But…
Where Stories Are Served
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Nazende
Nazende
Nazende: Chef or Cook? I first heard about Nazende through Vedat Milor’s writing. Knowing how highly he regarded it, I did not wait long before going myself. Since that first…
Pedro Almodóvar’s Volver
Pedro Almodóvar’s Volver
Pedro Almodóvar’s 2006 film Volver (“To Return”) focuses on the stories of strong female characters and stars well-known names in Spanish cinema, such as Penélope Cruz and Carmen Maura. The…
2 Tek Alaf
2 Tek Alaf
Barcelona-Bound, at 2 Tek – Alaf in Istanbul Summer is coming to an end. The comparison with migratory birds may be an overused one, but this time it really does…
RESTAURANT REVIEWS
Selimiye Birtat
Selimiye Birtat
Birtat: An Offal Legend from Selimiye to Koşuyolu It would be an exaggeration to say that Birtat left its mark on all of Istanbul, or on an entire generation. But…
Nazende
Nazende
Nazende: Chef or Cook? I first heard about Nazende through Vedat Milor’s writing. Knowing how highly he regarded it, I did not wait long before going myself. Since that first…
2 Tek Alaf
2 Tek Alaf
Barcelona-Bound, at 2 Tek – Alaf in Istanbul Summer is coming to an end. The comparison with migratory birds may be an overused one, but this time it really does…
Çiy
Çiy
Çiy in the Cool Shade of Ephesus It turns out my first encounter with Çiy was in July 2021. We had spent a night among the vineyards of Yedi Bilgeler…
ARTICLES
Pedro Almodóvar’s Volver
Pedro Almodóvar’s Volver
Pedro Almodóvar’s 2006 film Volver (“To Return”) focuses on the stories of strong female characters and stars well-known names in Spanish cinema, such as Penélope Cruz and Carmen Maura. The…
Le Charme Discret de la Bourgeoisie – The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
Le Charme Discret de la Bourgeoisie – The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
At first glance, Luis Buñuel's The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie seems like a simple story about a group of wealthy people who can never manage to have dinner together.…
José Andrés’ “Spain My Way”
José Andrés’ “Spain My Way”
Book Spotlight For José Andrés, cooking has never been merely a collection of techniques. A close look at his career reveals that the kitchen is handled as both a cultural…
Mardin Cuisine of Mesopotamia
Mardin Cuisine of Mesopotamia
Cooked by Geography, Kneaded by the City When you step into a street in Mardin and walk between its stone walls, you do not merely traverse a city, you follow…
RECIPIES
Albanian-Style Fried Liver
Albanian-Style Fried Liver
Offal is undoubtedly one of the most iconic pillars of Istanbul’s culinary heritage, and Arnavut ciğeri (Albanian-style liver) stands at its heart. However, the prestige of offal is not a…
Ful Medammes
Ful Medammes
From Cairo to World Cuisine Like most recipes passed down from generation to generation without their traditional form being compromised, 'ful medammes' is a dish that emerged from scarcity/poverty. Fava…
Şıllık Dessert
Şıllık Dessert
A Name That Surprises, A Flavor That Delights... A Beloved Dessert From Urfa The first time you hear its name, it might make you smile a little: Şıllık dessert. But…
Ambassador Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Perfect Steak
Ambassador Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Perfect Steak
Meat Paradox Before the stars began to shine, in a vast emptiness where time and space had yet to stir, a woman and a man dwelled. Behold, they were granted…
DRINKS
Pétalos del Bierzo, DO Castile and León (Spain)
Pétalos del Bierzo, DO Castile and León (Spain)
Wines Under 20 Euros In north-western Spain, the Bierzo wine region produces some of the most characterful and expressive Mencía-based reds in the country. The winery Descendientes de J. Palacios…
Traste 2017 — José Aristegui, DO Valdeorras (Spain)
Traste 2017 — José Aristegui, DO Valdeorras (Spain)
Wines Under 20 Euros Hidden in the rugged hills of Galicia, northwestern Spain, the Valdeorras appellation has long been one of the country’s best-kept secrets. This cool, Atlantic-influenced region, with…
Detrás de la Casa 2019 — Syrah, Altos de las Estrella (Spain)
Detrás de la Casa 2019 — Syrah, Altos de las Estrella (Spain)
Wines Under 20 Euros From the sun-drenched vineyards of southeastern Spain comes Detrás de la Casa 2019, a striking example of the new wave of Spanish winemaking that blends tradition…
Gotim Bru 2021 — Castell del Remei, DO Costers del Segre (Spain)
Gotim Bru 2021 — Castell del Remei, DO Costers del Segre (Spain)
Wines Under 20 Euros In the heart of Catalonia, the DO Costers del Segre region brings together the warmth of the Mediterranean sun and the discipline of a continental climate,…