Dinner in Asia

One evening our program director Alper treated the four of us to the most incredible dinning experience of my life. Not only was it my first time in Asia, it was the largest and most colorful meal I have ever sunk my fork into. Muazzez Ersoy Senol is the name of this incredible restaurant overlooking the Sea of Marmara and the Islands we visited this week.

After driving across the trans-continental bridge, we were welcomed to Asia! We then drove down the high fashion street of Istanbul with Escada, Chanel and Dior within arm's reach. In many ways it compared to the Champs Elysees AND we happened to catch it all in the middle of fashion week with models walking and fashion shows happening on the sidewalks. 

Crossing two continents on the bridge!

We turned a quick corner, wound through some back streets and opened our eyes to a gorgeous water view. We soaked up the sun and the views for a few moments before venturing on to an unforgettable meal.

 The four of us gazing into the sun

At this type of restaurant there are no menus. You are simply seated and drink orders are taken…but the rest is up to them. They start by bringing two large trays of individual plates and bowls with every color and flavor you could imagine in Turkish cuisine. They cover the entire table with these and even stack plates….and THIS is the appetizer course!

The table during the appetizer course

My plate of appetizer samplings

Bread Basket

Once you have tried everything and enjoyed the fresh flat bread along the side, some plates are rearranged to make way for the meter (3.3 feet long) wooden board with a long piece of flat bread covering it. Then from out of nowhere a long sword carrying the meat and vegetable kebab is escorted over by 4 men, is laid across the board. The men slide the sword out so gracefully leaving the juicy tender lamb, steak, chicken, tomatoes and peppers to enjoy.

 The removal of the sword

 The meter long Kebab

Once you have stuffed yourself even more and can barely move from happiness, the board is removed, the table is cleaned and dessert is on its way! The table is then covered once more but this time with a colorful array of fruits and pastries and ice cream.

 My dessert plate after sampling from some of the dishes

As we finished our dessert and moved into the traditional tea time, the sun set over the water which was a perfect ending to a perfect meal.

 Tea is the national drink of Turkey

 Our view during tea

THIS is a must for a truly exquisite and extraordinary Turkish tradition. Come hungry and prepare to be both full and amazed.