Istanbul - Ciya Sofrasi report

I was just at Ciya for the first time a few days ago. I wandered in for a late lunch, and found the staff extremely helpful and warm. (Maybe my terrible attempts at Turkish helped, but I don't think so.) I too found the system a little confusing at first, but if you've ever been in one of the many, many steam-tray type lunch places in Istanbul (which are actually pretty good, not like the states), you will be able to figure out how to point to this and that.
As for the food, it was fabulous. It's incredibly fresh, and the spicing is just right. A lot of the things I had were typically Turkish, but with a little twist- the kisir (bulgar salad) for example, is something most people make, but at Ciya it was vibrant and a bit more spicy than usual. I'm dying for the recipe. All the other salads were outstanding. After some consultation with the staff, I had kofte with sour cherry sauce, yaprak dolma, and pilav, all unusual and delicious. I wish I had ordered more! Then, a waiter led me to the dessert counter, where he steered me towards the Walnut Sweet (ceviz tatlisi) and some fresh sweet cheese. I ordered the Tomato Sweet (domates tatlisi) as well out of curiosity. My curiosity was satisfied, but I should have listened to my waiter, as the walnut was much better. As I was finishing my meal, I noticed Musa himself, hanging around tasting things. Not bad for a Wednesday afternoon.
All in all, I totally recommend a trip to Ciya. The ferry ride is lovely, but the food will knock your socks off. I agree that a basic familiarity with Turkish food should enhance the experience.

romanvirtues in Europe

Buying Spices in London

I was in Brixton today actually! (I'm "based" in Shoreditch, but I like to get out.) This sounds like just what I'm looking for. They had an interesting looking street market too... East something? Anyways, thanks to all for the suggestions!

romanvirtues in U.K./Ireland

Buying Spices in London

I've just moved to London from New York, leaving all my beautiful cooking spices and herbs behind. I've had a look at Tesco (sad little bottles full of sand), and on Brick Lane (slightly better, but I don't need 5 kilos of cardamom), and am still searching. Is there anywhere in town where one can buy fairly high quality spices, hopefully at a reasonable price? I'm a student, but I do like to cook. I'm not afraid of ethnic enclaves (in fact... destination shopping! hooray!), but I will be wanting things along the lines of cinnamon, whole peppercorns, dried oregano, cloves, etc... Any advice?

romanvirtues in U.K./Ireland

a classic man's cocktail?

A French 75 strikes a great balance for a manly drink- the champagne (or sparkling wine, more likely) says that you aren't afraid of what might be considered an effeminate ingredient, but the general kick of the thing and the fact that it's named after a WWI-era weapon means nobody can really argue with you. French 75, all the way.

* Two parts gin
* 1 1/2 Ounces of Simple syrup
* juice of half a lemon
* Champagne

You'd better be able to hold your booze though- you won't believe the hangover you'll get after a night of these.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_75_(cocktail)

romanvirtues in Spirits

Green/fresh Hazelnuts in NYC

I'm desperate to lay my hands on some fresh hazelnuts (with their green "frills" and lovely milky inside bits) like I used to get in Turkey. Thanks to Wildman Steve Brill, I know they grow in Central Park, but I'm looking for them in rather a bigger quantity than that. Should I ask around at the Union Square Greenmarket? Ask the Kosovar stores around Arther Avenue? Thanks for any leads...

romanvirtues in The Best

what to do with green hazelnuts

I do recommend eating them as they are, although you shouldn't have to use a knife- you an easily crack the inner nascent-nutshell with your teeth after you peel off the frills. They should taste almost milky if you've hit them at the right time. Of course, if you don't like the taste... Perhaps they need a bit more time, but I adore them- looking for them, quite fruitlessly, in NYC.

romanvirtues in General Chowhounding Topics