With the early blossoms of spring, it is time to go out and enjoy the rich panorama of Istanbul. The coastal area of Arnavutköy and Beyoğlu offer venues and delights that appeal for all kinds of outdoor activities
This week I want to tell you about three venues. All three belong to different fields and all of them are promising. The first one is ANY, which has opened in Arnavutköy. This town is one of the oldest settlements of Istanbul, and it is mostly famous for its fish restaurants, the most popular ones being Eftelya and Arnavutköy Balıkçısı. The district addressed a high-end group of older food-lovers that consists of people above the age of 40 who enjoy the culture of rakı and fish. However, ANY, which has operated for two years now, has broken this particular habit of this old town. Indeed, after Bebek, Kuruçesme, Ortaköy and Rumelihisarı, Arnavutköy demanded such a young place as well.
The Yazdıç couple, Hülya and Oytun, who manage the place, are real entrepreneurs. The word ANY is actually an acronym that is created from a person's name. The letters of the name of Onur Yazdıç's father, Ahmet Nedim Yazdıç, give the place its name. We had a long conversation with Hülya and Oytun. They are modern and visionary youngsters who have definite goals. Oytun is actually an advertiser. However, the couple has been operating in the food sector for seven years. They are both full of energy and extraordinary. Talking to them, one feels like they are having a conversation with friends at college rather than the owners of the place. They are cool, artistic people and they are very successful hosts at the same time.
ANY is a venue that brings Arnavutköy a new style. It is cozy, just-like home and fun. It is full of people, particularly on weekends. Their menu on the other hand, is quite rich. You are able to find different food in every season. I especially recommend for you to try the tastes of the famous chef Refika till April. The meatball, which considers itself a künefe, is a wonder. Likewise, the meatballs with basil and pistachio are delicious. One must certainly taste the lahmacun with garlic sausages. Everything is served in the enameling dishes designed by Refika. In addition to meals from the Antep and Antakya regions, ANY has a very artsy menu as well. I loved the salad with goat cheese the most. They have fried this special cheese after generously dipping it in pistachio and it was delicious. On the other hand, their mini burgers are handy at any time of the day. As for drinks, the pink ayran with red beets are among different alternatives. For deserts, Oreo pie is another different taste.
The place is also famous for its breakfasts. You may have breakfast until 4 p.m. every day. On Sundays however, they serve brunch. I advise you to make a reservation for brunch. Moreover, you are lucky if you manage to get that special place named "Sedir Odası". The brunch offers many different tastes. Buns with Nutella, garlic sausages sliced in the shape of flowers and avocado bruschetta are some that catches attention. Likewise, Mıhlama is another local Black Sea taste that welcomes us. But my favorite is the lasagna cooked in cast iron pans. It was officially melting in the mouth. The old style simit boxes that are placed on the brunch tables, old style grocery scales and the mini fridge that almost looks like a toy add sweetness to the ambiance. The place has quite a warm design in general. Wooden products, maroon curtains and chesterfield sofas distract you from the world of the fishers of Arnavutköy. Those who visit ANY on the other hand, may also utilize the valet services of these fish restaurants.
ANY officially turns into a club on weekends. The venue has three different in-house DJs. In addition, its cocktails are very popular. The bartenders of ANY, İlhan Bulut and Talat Aydın offered me the popular cocktails of the place during our conversation. I suggest you try the red goose and the keçi (goat) cocktails at the first chance you get. I have learned from the creative couple of ANY, that they are going to open up a new place called Dirty Hands in May. I will keep the location a secret for now. However, I can tell you that you will find street food culture that can be seen in many different points around the world, as well as finger food. Congratulations to Hülya and Oytun for their creativity and hospitality.
Another venture I want to tell you about this week is way different. I want to talk about the cafe Mui36, which has opened with the name of 36 Beden (Size 36). Actually, Mui36 is a food website where you can order all of your meals on the Internet from healthy food alternatives. Working as your health advisor, the site creates the best food packages according to your body measurements and health conditions. Delivering these meals to your house daily, the site allows you to follow a healthy and sustainable diet program. The owner of Mui36, İrem Tonguç, has recently opened a café named 36 Beden at Caddebostan. If you take Kadıköy coast road to Caddebostan, the place is on the left. It is small but cute.
From sugar-free deserts to vegetable based pizzas, gluten-free puddings and flour-free pancakes, many colorful and delicious foods await you. In addition, you are also offered the chance to stop by after work and take home soups in jars, healthy wraps or meals from the menu of the day. Starting off with the most ordered meals on the Internet to this day, İrem Tonguç said they have created their menu in accordance with these demands. I suggest Mui36 to anyone who is unable to cook healthy meals due to lack of time and end up going off their diets.
My last suggestion is the Hard Rock Cafe Istanbul, if you haven't discovered it yet. The place, which is in Beyoğlu is just the place for rock lovers. There are guitars, costumes and accessories from many famous rock and pop singers. The interior decoration of the building on the other hand, is full of details. The decoration consists of many components in the shape of a guitar pick. Hard Rock Cafe Istanbul is a place that follows the world agenda and is up to date. Celebrating St. Patrick's Day recently, the venue never forgets international special days. That is why I can assure you it is one of the rare environments where you can feel abroad. With the coming of spring, you may enjoy the terrace and the famous cocktails. My favorite is the Blue Hawaiian.
As for the food, I definitely recommend the hickory-smoked pulled lamb burger. The sliced lamb meat slides through your mouth. Its sauce on the other hand, is just delicious. Order the homemade guacamole with it. If you do not like hamburgers, the steaks are quite good as well. As for the desert, try out the cinnamon apple pie. It is yummy with ice cream. Another feature that is as good as the food and the music at the Hard Rock Café, is its service. With their tattoos, styled hair and guitar picks pinned on their aprons, the waiters, who also speak good English, will really make you feel abroad. Indeed, congratulations to the team of the Hard Rock Cafe in this respect. Also, the place has a very nice shop at its entrance. The shop, where you can find T-shirts, cups, guitar picks and even toys, also offers quite affordable prices in comparison to other foreign stores. You may also use this five-story building, which has special event spaces in its upper-floors, for your personal parties and corporate events. Congratulations to all the Hard Rock Cafe management for adding such a special venue to Istanbul.
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