Fine Ottoman Cuisine at Asitane Restaurant

Chora Church and Asitane at night

Chora Church is a favorite museum for visitors to Istanbul, most famous for its mosaics and frescoes. As the tour buses shuttle visitors in and out, they pass by a 19th century mansion that has been restored and is now the Kariye Boutique Hotel. But the real treat is the Asitane Restaurant inside the hotel.

Asitane Dining Room

Serving fine Ottoman cuisine, Asitane describes its inspiration like this:

Imperial Authenticity

"The large and airy Asitane Restaurant serves imperial Ottoman cuisine, incorportating Central Asian, Anatolian, Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours, resulting from intensive research undertaken at three palace kitchens (Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Edirne) to test and recreate long-forgotten imperial dishes, whose recipes were traditionally kept secret. Some of the rediscovered dishes on the menu, such as veal in apple sauce, were serverd at the circumcision feast held for two of Suleyman's sons in 1539. The location might be off the beaten track, but Asitane is the one and only restaurant in the city where intrepid diners can experience such unlikely-sounding treats as almond soup. This is a restaurant for the serious culinary adventurer."

Rice with Aubergine

Personally, I don't think it takes a serious culinary adventurer to enjoy the meals here. All it takes is someone who appreciates tasty food simmered in a bit of history.

In a Lifetime

 

_{Photograph by Giovanni Simeone/SIME-4Corners}

If you made a list of all the places you should visit in your lifetime, what would be on that list?

If you ask us, we would say Istanbul, but then we're biased.  So don't take our word for it.

Instead, consult National Geographic Traveler magazine which has put Istanbul on its "Places of a Lifetime" list.

To get the most out of your visit to Istanbul, they have some great recommendations for walking tours, places you must see, festivals, hotels, restaurants, and cultural performances.

And we invite you to take the opportunity to meet some of Istanbul's artists who won't be found on any of these lists. Meeting them will give you the chance to see the effect this city has on its people - how it moves and motivates them. How it intoxicates them with inspiration.

We think you'll be inspired too.

Lush - A vibrant boutique hotel in Istanbul

Lush describes itself as 'a treasure in Istanbul' and we couldn't agree more.

Located in the centre of the city near Pera and just a few steps away from Taksim Square, the very hip Lush Hotel is a 105 year old classical building which has been renovated to keep it's own unique signature and yet is completely up to date with the resources of the modern world.

Designed by a woman architect, it's 35 individually decorated rooms reflect the multicultural history of Istanbul and each room echos the styles of Classical, Ottoman, Art Nouveau, Post Modern, Pop-Art and Brutal architecture. Each room is more of a life space than a regular hotel room and you feel at home immediately. Each detail, from the door handle to the curtains, has been produced individually for each room.

The breathtaking Ottoman 'Sedir Room'

When Tara and I stayed here for four days last June, we were pleasantly surprised by how young the staff were. They were friendly, always available and extremely polite. Despite their youthful and relaxed appearances - do not expect strictly uniformed staff behind a high counter - they are professional and efficient. Canan, the hotel executive, is a beautiful and lively young woman who runs a smooth ship.

Breakfast is more than just continental. There is a large selection of fresh fruit, cereal and they make wonderful omelettes, too. The hotel also has a spa, sauna, fitness center and a relaxing Brasserie.

Address: Siraselviler St. No. 12, Taksim 34433, Istanbul - Turkey

Tel: +90 (212) 243 9595

info@lushhotel.com

http://www.lushhotel.com/