Comments for Epicurean Travel

Comment on A ‘Little’ Taste Of Things To Come: Welcome to Turkey by Mary

Mary — Sat, 11 May 2013 14:10:06 +0000

One of the unusual things we had at that amazing fish restaurant was described by our server and host as “the original tartar sauce”. Not at all what we are used to (mayo, pickles) but crunchy with nuts. As it turns out, the excellent Turquoise cookbook has the recipe, or a similar recipe at least. Now all I have to do before I make it is to make red pepper paste, which is called for as an ingredient, and which I neglected to buy in Turkey. Recipes for that say to make the paste, spread it in a pan and leave it in the sun all day to dry. Or perhaps a low oven for 6 hours. What fun!

Comment on A ‘Little’ Taste Of Things To Come: Welcome to Turkey by Linda Northrop

Linda Northrop — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:02:15 +0000

Recently I was one of the lucky ones to participate on an Epicurean Travel tour. After our trek from Tampa to Istanbul (there are no direct flights from Tampa) we checked into a plush hotel in the Old City, then headed off for a mini stroll down the cobblestone roads. All of our senses were immediately revived by all the fascinating sights & sounds. Store fronts housed exquisite Turkish carpets, pottery, tiles, garments & bags mingled with the delicious smells of spices & teas & flowers. Soon I was standing in the Hippodrome where chariots once raced & now is home to towering obelisks over 2,000 years old. A few steps later I was humbled while standing between two magnificent shrines, the Blue Mosque & the Hagia Sophia Mosque; in fact I was in awe in front of these domed structural masterpieces which are separated by beautiful lawns. We continued down another quaint cobblestone road to an artist’s studio. A painter invited us to watch while he dropped paint into a bath of water & oil and using only sticks created a flower in the liquid. Next he dipped a sheet of paper into the bath and created a beautiful flowered painting with a marbled back round. I regret not purchasing one of his works -– maybe I did this on purpose as one of the many reasons to return to Istanbul one day.

After we arrived back at the hotel we met the other intrepid travelers in our group and walked to a restaurant that looked like a charming old house. My oh my, what a feast! First a warm & incredibly tender & delicious calamari sprinkled with crushed nuts was served. Multiple scrumptious bowls appeared next filled with every color vegetable from sauteed dandelion greens to bright red grilled peppers, cheeses, dips, cheeses, & fish served with baskets of a tasty flat breads– everything looked & tasted wonderful. The next course came, grilled octopus & calamari. Each moist & succulent bite made me wonder why I never tried octopus before –- yum! I thought it was time for dessert but then came the main course, a perfectly grilled & flaky sea bass. It was too good to waste, so I ate that too. A lip-smacking sweet pudding & homemade cherry liqueur ended this unbelievable meal. Now this is my idea of Turkish delight and this was only the first day!

Comment on Farewell and Tesekkür to Turkey, But We’ll Be Back by Lindy

Lindy — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 22:34:42 +0000

Samantha,

I will be sure to mention your company to Mustafa…thank you!

I will also follow your blog and travel plans. Sounds fun!

Best,
Lindy

Comment on Farewell and Tesekkür to Turkey, But We’ll Be Back by Samantha

Samantha — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:16:56 +0000

So glad you liked our food blog, Lindy. When you book with Mustafa for the Ephesus Boutique Hotel be sure to let him know that you found him through us – he will take extra good care of you! I really hope that you do join us on a future trip. We will be setting up tours in Morocco and Portugal in the next months (plus some in the U.S.). As we are just beginning our business we want to focus on the quality of our tours, rather than the quantity of destinations.

Keep checking us out. The Museum Hotel is beautiful – breath-taking views – you will love it!

Comment on Farewell and Tesekkür to Turkey, But We’ll Be Back by Lindy

Lindy — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:29:48 +0000

I wanted to thank you for a great summary of your Turkish trip. Food seemed quite stunning! Dreamy …

I am traveling there in summer and was thrilled to discover the Ephesus Boutique in my search for interesting places to stay and eat (I booked a few days ago). Now, having read about Mustafa’s role and food on your trip, I am ecstatic. A big thank you. … I will keep track of your trips, and would love to try one someday.

We are also traveling to Cappadocia, and staying at the Museum hotel, which is reputed to have outstanding cuisine and an acclaimed chef. I’d be happy to chat to you on my return.