[LAT Hamm] Suada (Otherwise known as the floating restaurants]

Suada is an absolute must see in Istanbul.

All the most selective restaurants are brought together on this fun and lively island in the middle of the Bosphorus. Take the private Suada boat or your own personal boat from shore to access the most unique dining experience in Istanbul. Enjoy the pool during the day, J&B sponsored happy hours during the evening and live music all night. Every week Suada hosts Istanbul’s best themed parties that no one forgets by bringing foreign DJ’s, live dancers and spectacular firework exhibitions.

[LAT]

[NYT Emmrich] The Blue Mosque

Wow, what a place.

Also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, it got its name Blue Mosque from blue tiles on the interior. Built in 1609, it also holds a hospital, schools, tomb, public kitchen, and market. After the kitchens were destroyed in a fire in the 1970s, they were restored and made into the School of Industrial Art.

[NYT]

[Food and Wine Murphy] Review on the Fly: Kitchenette

Not much time to blog, scheduled to get back in the van soon, but had to write a quick review and post a picture of this great little spot in Istanbul: (Note: this is def. a Breakfast spot.)

A lively, fun and entertaining chain with the feel of a French brasserie including 8 branches in Istanbul. Go here with a big group of friends and enjoy extensive tastes of Europe from French to Turkish cuisines. Each branch offers a different experience and ambiance. Do not be fooled by the upscale decoration, prices are very reasonable. Definitely Recommended.

[Food and Wine]

[WaPo Summers] The Wonder of the Topkapi Palace

Words cannot describe a visit to the Topkapi Palace, but here's a couple pictures and a brief description for those of you who've never been. (Tip: The place is unbelievable, GO!)

The Beautiful Exterior
Interior Shot

The palace is divided into four unique courtyards. The first is the Courtyard of Janissaries. The Janissaries were branches of the Ottoman army. In this courtyard, there are three very important buildings: Aya Eirine (the Chuch of Divine Peace), the treasury of the Ottoman Empire, and the Istanbul Archeological Museum.

The second courtyard holds the imperial kitchen, storage, rooms, and bakery.

The third courtyard has a hall for visitors of the Sultan. There are also school classrooms and a library.

The fourth courtyard is a garden. There are pavilions and a mosque in this courtyard.

This is truly an unbelievable destination that every visitor to Istanbul should visit. And, even if you're not planning on visiting, maybe it's a reason to go!

[WaPo]

[Conde Nast Wallace] Dinner at Vogue

The most splendid view in the world meet the delicacies of world cuisines. Named 7^th best restaurant in the world by Travel magazine, Vogue offers a very special sushi menu with over 70 original roll combinations. Pair your exquisite filet mignon with one of the 200 rich wines offered. End your night enjoying a cigar in the dimly lit environment while talking to your business partners.

[Conde Nast]

[LAT Hamm] The Underground Cistern, A True Treasure

This is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see. It is believed to have been built in 532 AD, but was not rediscovered until 1545. The cistern has a mystical ambiance that you will not find anywhere else. Medusa’s head is on display. It is also used to water the gardens of Topkapi Palace.

[LAT]

[NYT Emmrich] My Two Favorite Restaurants

As regular readers will know, I've gotten to know New York City's Turkish food circuit like the back of my hand. However, predictably, even NYC's best has nothing on the offering of Istanbul. This past week, I've been given an insiders opportunity to literally devour everything this Ottoman city has to offer.

So far, here are my two favorite restaurants in Istanbul:

Reina:

With a choice of five restaurants ranging from Mediterranean to Japanese, I enjoyed the scenic bosphorus view while having delectable tastes from around the world. Enjoy a quiet dinner while the sun sets but be prepared for the music to keep getting louder as the night progresses. Around 10 the tables will start to vanish and Reina will transform into Istanbul’s most famous outdoor nightclub. Watch famous people piling in to the main bar in the middle and dance the night away with your friends.

Anjelique:

A 3 story mansion in Ortakoy that will redefine your summer nights by the Bosphorus. Enjoy seductive different tastes from around the world while sitting in beautifully decorated, trendy rooms. Anjelique is best known for its DJ, elite crowd and ambiance. Enjoy oldies but goodies in the 80’s themed lounge or move to the beat of house music on the main floor.

[NYT]