Although Italy is the native country of pizza, I have eaten the best pizzas of my life in England. Pizza East in Akaretler, on the other hand, offers a concept integrating Italian recipes with a modern English pizzeria. A member of the Soho House & Co. family, the restaurant suits Akaretler, where Serdar Bilgili continues to contribute to Istanbul's tourism with W Hotel. Wooden decor, stylish furniture and a wood furnace along with fresh food, invites you into a different adventure of taste. Although, the place is quite European, and the walls are adorned by tile plates that reflect Turkey.Pizza East opened in Istanbul after opening in London and Chicago, rising with its meals that are cooked in a wood furnace and its antipasti options and desserts, in addition to its pizzas. With its name, Pizza East can seem to be only a pizzeria; however, Pizza East offers much more than just pizza. My favorite among its pizza's is the one with bresaola, and for dessert, I recommend the cherry crumble with mascarpone cheese. The restaurant also has cocktails that you might be familiar with from Soho House, and the mule cocktail is a strong and different mix for those who love ginger. Open from lunch to midnight, Pizza East is great for coffee breaks as well. You can get your coffee to go from the coffee bar, which is found in the restaurant's garden, and continue on your way. Also, after September, you can enjoy Sunday brunches here as well.Meanwhile, I also have to mention the staff. I encountered a service crew that I have missed for so long. I've longed for small talk with the wait staff, where here they engage in, which is a staple of going out to eat abroad. From their haircuts and manners to smiling faces and cool attitudes, the employees were seemingly made for the restaurant. Rather than bothering customers, they entertain and please them. Last time we were chatting with one of the chefs about where I bought the shirt I was wearing. Here, exists a great atmosphere of spontaneity and friendliness. I give 10 out of 10 points to the managers, chefs and waiters of Pizza East.American sports barTickerdaze, which opened its first branch in Maslak Uniq, is definitely a sports bar and grill from the '60s. The photos of old American sportsmen on its walls, tilt machines, old gym tools used as stools and floors covered with black and white tiles make you feel like you are in a bar abroad. The music adds to its nostalgic ambiance as well. It is a place where you can spend quality time on its pleasurable terrace and wide bar area.The menu design is quite retro and mainly features snacks. All meals are served American style with big portions. Among the variations of the triple mini burgers, the Mexican variety is quite promising. Despite the meals being called snacks, they are very satisfying. Among the deserts, the devil's cheesecake is an American classic, especially how it is served in glass jars. As for its taste, it is as good as the Cheesecake Factory in the United States. Its bar, on the other hand, catches one's attention with its different cocktail recipes. I suggest trying the beer mojito. Tickerdaze will soon install TV screens where sporting events will be screened, so don't be surprised if you see baseball matches on ESPN. It's open for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast in the morning. Reading the newspaper at the bar while sipping hot coffee and enjoying a quick breakfast will surely make you feel like you're in the U.S., believe me.The Far East is not that farI am very picky when it comes to Asian cuisine. Another restaurant that will make you feel as if you are in a far-away place is Go Meso in Istinye Park with its brand, service and tastes. The place, which was inspired by the hanging gardens of Babylon, is indeed tranquilizing. They offer tastes that are prepared by chefs who come from various parts of Asia, such as China and India, using eight different cooking techniques with natural and local products. The menu includes a wide variety of tastes, such as Yakitori skewers from the Far East and handmade fresh noodles, as well as the famous cooking techniques of the Near East including brick oven, Indian tandoori, Mongolian barbecue and woks. Guests can choose their own food at the section where fresh vegetables and meats are displayed and then watch, as their meal is prepared before their eyes. The göçmen (nomad) salad and Go Meso ice tea offer a departure from the main dishes as well. I suggest you take this Asian trip, where you need no passport, as soon as possible!Top 3 Restaurants of the Week- Asithane / Edirnekapı- Ferdi Baba / Alaçatı- Neolokal / KaraköyTop 3 Venues of the Week- The Allis / Beyoğlu- Mavi Kahve / Beylerbeyi- Café Firuz / CihangirTop 3 Hotels of the Week- 7800 / Çeşme- Maçakızı / Bodrum- Villa Zurich Hotel / CihangirTop 3 People to Follow this Week- Ali Çınar / VP of Turkish Heritage Organization- Pınar Kartal Timer / General Manager of Pera Palas- Begüm Ataklı / A46