New Year's celebrations have finished. Are you ready for the first week of 2016? If you're still not, I have a pleasant and delicious suggestion for you to start the first Monday of the year. If you want to get together with your loved ones of all ages this first weekend of the New Year and to make a good start to the week, here are my brunch suggestions for you.
The first place I suggest is Cecconi's in Soho House. A rich menu awaits you in the winter garden of the inner part of this place in Beyoğlu. Cecconi's boasts high ceilings and square windows which add a fresh and warm atmosphere. They also offer a treat for your tastebuds. I just loved their lasagna, "Cannelloni." You're going to love this dish served on an enameled dish. If you do not prefer lasagna, the freshly served oysters, served in an ice bucket, are striking. I have never seen oysters served for brunch in Turkey before. In addition, the mushroom risotto is sure to please, served in an old parmesan cheese wheel and smartly prepared. Restaurant chefs serve hot risotto inside a huge, hand-carved cheese wheel; putting a unique spin on a traditional Italian dish.
Skilled chefs put the risotto inside the cheese mold before they serve it to you; it is fantastic! The ribeye steak and fish on salt are also popular choices on the brunch menu. For those who have a sweet tooth, there is one specific dessert that I give five stars - the raspberry and blackberry eclair. This dessert is addictive because the cream in the eclair is smooth and delicious. Cecconi's also features live music, allowing you to enjoy a Sunday brunch to the tune of live saxophone, cello and guitar. I recommend making a reservation in advance for optimal results.
Another place I highly recommend is Pizza East in Nişantaşı.
Employees here are some of the most energetic I have seen around Istanbul. I commend Pizza East for its unique ambiance, distinct tastes and friendly staff.
Located in the W Hotel, this eatery will surely make you feel right at home with its natural wooden furniture, dim atmosphere and welcoming employees. Here, the chefs cook the pizzas in a famous stone oven, topping them with the best parmesan cheese in the city. Likewise, the cherry crumble dessert tastes just like your mother used to make. If your eggtastic, I recommend that you build your own omelet at their buffet-style counter. They also feature fresh walnut bread and the hearty German breads seen in Europe. To top off your culinary experience, there is live music at Pizza East I recommend that you to go there early in the day and sit at one of the tables near the entrance overlooking the street. The checkered cloth napkins on the tables create a warm atmosphere. Employees here are some of the most energetic I have seen around Istanbul. I commend Pizza East for this unique ambiance, distinct tastes and friendly staff.
My final suggestion for a memorable brunch is the Ravouna Hotel, a building which was built in 1906. Here you will find an incredible view of the Bosporus from their terrace. The over-the-counter brunch is served on intricately designed plates and mosaic serving ware. The hotel's chef, Hüseyin Vural, is a master of his craft. An international culinary artist who has worked in restaurants across İstanbul is continuously discovering new ways to wow his guests with culinary masterpieces. On a personal note, he is a funny guy with a great sense of humor. But let's get back to brunch. Vural uses his grandmother's special recipes to create ostentatious olive oil dishes. You can make a warm start to your day with a vegetable soup as well. Vuralcooks his family-inspired soup in a deep, earthenware pot. And serves it in antique dishes, topped with marinated mozzarella cheese, which is scrumptious. Also, the meatballs and fish are grilled on the barbecue on the terrace. Of all the desserts, the caramel cake with cashews is delicious. In short, I am sure you will love Barman Erdem Kurumlu's signature drink, the Ravouna Espresso Martini, if you like coffee. Congratulations again to chef Vural and the hotel's owner, İsmail Turfanda.
Top 3 Hotels of the Week
- Kaya Palazzo / Kartalkaya
- Soho House Hotel / Beyoğlu
- Museum / Cappadocia
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