tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36790667803657835402024-03-28T10:50:30.972+03:00Dani's Logbook: Destination Istanbul and BeyondThis blog includes all sorts of info on Istanbul, other parts of Turkey as well as other destinations worldwide. It also includes my thoughts and feelings about general issues and more. If you want to follow me by email, just write in your email address below.Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-1447624720562155292017-08-22T14:40:00.003+03:002017-08-22T14:40:37.525+03:00ALAÇATI EATS 2017- Fethi'nin Yeri Ada Balık; Kapari Bahçe & Dokuz Buçuk Restaurant & BarDear readers,
If you haven't had a chance to read my previous post, I was in Alaçatı, Çeşme on the glorious & pristine Aegean coast of Turkey during the 1st 9 days of August. I shared the names and info on the hotels I stayed at and now it's time to give you info on where I went to eat in the evenings!
I'm sorry to say you might be disappointed that the list is short, but quite frankly I'm Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-30245012630913340632017-08-16T18:15:00.001+03:002017-08-16T18:15:51.634+03:00ALAÇATI 2017- Where I Stayed: The S Alaçatı & Evliyagil Hotel by KatreDear readers,
After a whirlwind 8 nights and 9 days in Alaçatı, a district in Çeşme along the Aegean coast and 45 minutes drive from the "Pearl of the Aegean" Izmir, I returned to Istanbul exactly a week ago today!
Since I have the habit of burning the candle on both ends during a vacation, I'm just getting my legs back and finding time to write about my wonderful vacation! Of course, it has Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-88761776250791164702017-06-13T14:49:00.001+03:002017-06-13T14:49:45.784+03:00Uskumru Fish Restaurant: Fish Lovers Delight on the Bosphorus! Dear readers,
Summer has been a little late in coming to Istanbul, but two weekends ago for the first time in a long time, the weather was gorgeous! On June 3rd, a Saturday, the sun was shining brightly and there was a light breeze with temps in the mid 20's (centigrade).
The day before it was my brother-in-law's birthday and we decided to go to lunch at one of our favorite fish restaurants to Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-1741768755230510732017-05-30T17:16:00.001+03:002017-05-30T17:16:18.676+03:00Levent Çarşı: My "Routine" Food Shopping Neighborhood Dear readers,
We all have our routines and habits (good and bad) right? Now, since I'm a food, travel & lifestyle blogger - I want share one of my routines: I go to Levent Çarşı on a weekly basis to do food shopping ...
Levent Çarşı, Istanbul
Of course, I could go to a supermarket and pick up everything I want, but when it comes to certain foodstuffs, I'm picky!
Çarşı means "marketDani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-5637679091053006172017-05-22T19:12:00.000+03:002017-05-22T19:12:57.642+03:00Emaar Square Mall opens on Asian Side of the city in IstanbulDear readers,
Since no one really talks anymore, I received a WhatsApp message from my sis on the morning the day before Mother's Day to say she received an email that Galeries Lafayatte had opened on said day at newcomer Emaar Square Mall & should we go to check it out. Since GL (as I call it for short) is my favorite department store on this side of the Atlantic (Bloomies on the other sideDani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-18418037740223190792017-05-15T17:44:00.001+03:002017-05-15T17:44:36.064+03:00Chamlija & Arcadia: Vineyards in Kırklareli in the Thrace RegionDear readers,
The weather was absolutely gorgeous the weekend of April 29th so I'm so happy that I had signed up to attend an event on this weekend organized by the Chaine des Rotisseurs. I have been a member of the France based International Association of Gastronomy's Turkey chapter since 2009. Basically, the purpose of the association is to organize dinners at fine dining restaurants where Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-81326038372113495012017-05-08T18:13:00.001+03:002017-05-08T18:13:57.466+03:00Aila Restaurant: Yummy Turkish Meze and Grills Galore!Dear readers,
Socially, it has been an active and enjoyable several weeks for me. I've had the opportunity to visit a few newcomers around town that are worth writing about and recommending to my readers on my blog.
The last event I attended was on April 27th when I was invited to the pre-opening dinner organized for food writers, journalists and bloggers by the newly opened Fairmont Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-35928702847254778842017-05-04T17:48:00.001+03:002017-05-06T13:19:10.745+03:00ISKENDER: Döner Kebap "at its best" opens in Istanbul!Dear readers,
I don't know about you, but I am a major meat lover and I doubt that will ever change! Sure, we all have to watch our weight, health and eat more nutritionally, but from time to time we have to say "what the hell!" but as long as it's not a daily habit, I say indulge yourself!
And... that's exactly what I did after Aslı Aksoy from Inhouse İletişim PR sent me a press Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-88880333587762995402017-05-03T14:27:00.000+03:002017-05-03T14:27:18.637+03:00Mikla Restaurant & Bar: Pioneer of "The New Anatolian Kitchen"Dear readers,
Sometimes the easiest reviews are the hardest to write! What can I say about the "51st Best Restaurant in the World" that hasn't already been said?
But, of course... as always... I will add my two cents!
Open since October 2005, Mikla is a fine dining, white tablecloth contemporary restaurant & bar located on the top floor and terrace of The Marmara Pera HotelDani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-77475081582548009442017-04-03T17:38:00.000+03:002017-04-03T17:38:57.919+03:00Miyabi Sushi & Japanese Grill Bar Gets a Thumbs Up!Dear readers,
I don't know about you, but I love all sorts of sushi and sashimi and can easily eat it every day! However, my love affair with these delectable morsels of raw fish got off to a rocky start! I remember going to some of the best Japanese restaurants in NYC when I lived there and wouldn't touch the stuff and opted to eat the "cooked" Japanese delights. Funny story... my attitude Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-3581685190949517502017-03-27T18:13:00.000+03:002017-03-27T18:13:16.065+03:00Vakko Patisserie Petit Four and Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie: My New Neighbors!Dear readers,
I live in a centrally located area in Ulus in Istanbul. I love my neighborhood and walk at least 4-5 kilometers daily with Luka, "the love of my life" 6,5 year old Maltese dog. I am only about 10 minutes away from Ulus Park in one direction and about the same duration to the upscale Akmerkez shopping mall and Etiler with its many restaurants and cafes.
In the last few months a Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-21864446006122583042017-03-20T18:24:00.000+03:002017-03-20T18:24:26.842+03:00TOI ISTANBUL: Revisited at New LocationDear readers,
I know it has been a long time since my last post but the latter part of 2016 was a busy time for me with several trips abroad and projects for customers. Alsoto be quite honest, I didn't get a chance to visit new restaurant/cafes or even if I did, I didn't feel they were worthy of a write-up!
Finally, a couple of weeks ago I attended a dinner organized by my dear friend Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-85214170502282439222016-06-16T17:38:00.000+03:002016-10-20T15:01:15.919+03:00BIJOU BRASSERIE ISTANBUL: "Pop-Up" on the Bosphorus... June 16, 2016
As Bijou Brasserie was a "pop-up" restaurant, it closed as of the beginning of October, 2016.
Dear readers,
The word "pop-up", although not a new concept, has entered our vocabulary and lives in a major way in Istanbul in the past year. First, we started seeing "pop-up" or short-term retailers, food markets, etc. at some of the major shopping malls around the city... now, we haveDani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-18227247719022502522016-05-09T20:27:00.002+03:002017-01-13T16:50:28.582+03:00CENTRAL NIŞANTAŞI: Better Food... Better Mood... Better MusicUpdate: Unfortunately although Central Nişantaşı was a very nice restaurant, it closed in December, 2016.
May 9, 2016
Dear readers:
The weather was absolutely gorgeous this past weekend in Istanbul - just in time for Mother's Day!
As my 91 year-old aunt and 86 year-old uncle were coming over to my house on Sunday, with my sister Meltem, nephew Arman and my honey Luka (maltese dog) we Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-13600039841428261622016-05-04T17:11:00.000+03:002017-01-13T16:53:08.590+03:00TOI ISTANBUL: Delicious Food, Good Cheer!May 4, 2016
Update: TOI has closed up shop at its current location a couple of months ago and will be re-opening at a different location by the end of October 2016... I will share more info once TOI reopens. (October 20, 2016)
Update (January 13, 2016) TOI has re-opened at a new location in Kuruçeşme about a month ago, but I haven't had a chance to go yet so I do not yet have new info to share Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-65502115243625518402015-07-12T18:16:00.000+03:002015-07-12T18:16:29.754+03:00Big Chefs Cafe & Brasserie: 100% Turkish!Dear readers,
Yup! Just like I wrote in my heading - Big Chefs is 100% Turkish although the name isn't! Moreover, it was founded by Gamze Cizreli, a self-starter ambitious woman - in our state capitol Ankara in 2007.
Big Chefs Menu
It didn't take long for the popularity of this casual eatery to be noticed and after becoming partners with Saruhan Tan, the co-owners opened their first Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-50193087602579450192015-07-04T18:29:00.000+03:002015-07-04T18:29:06.342+03:00GEZI ISTANBUL: A refreshng and relaxing retreat in Taksim SquareDear readers,
As a tourist in Istanbul... you will definitely wind up either visiting or even preferring to stay in the Taksim Square area. Conversely, as a resident, there's always a reason to go to Taksim!
Although Taksim Square is not a picturesque square right now (it used to look better and hopefully it will re-landscaped to attract visitors for its grandeur), it is a major hub and Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-81646461676066140312015-05-28T18:15:00.002+03:002015-05-28T18:15:36.003+03:00Newcomer to Karaköy: OPS Passage Dear readers,
As I mentioned in my previous post, Istanbul's neighborhoods are developing so quickly, it is difficult to keep up with all the developments.
Karaköy is another one of those neighborhoods! Until a short few years ago, Karaköy was an area you just "passed" to reach other areas because there were no hotels, restaurants, cafes or bars to speak of! Now... it is the total opposite! I Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-19113065819727669182015-05-28T14:07:00.000+03:002015-05-28T14:07:40.913+03:00Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts opens 2nd hotel in Istanbul: Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Golden Horn Dear readers,
I don't know how many of my readers are aware of this, but Istanbul is a major metropolis city with a population of at least 13-14 million (the number might be higher as I can't remember the last time a census was done).
The city is growing so quickly with new neighborhoods, mega housing projects & office buildings metro lines... not counting the number of new shopping Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-54191854688162031312015-05-15T19:24:00.001+03:002015-05-15T19:24:55.671+03:00AQUA @Four Seasons Bosphorus Istanbul introduces new Spring/Summer MenuDear readers,
I'm back! I know it's been a while since my last post (sounds like going to confession) and I do have some legit reasons, however, I don't want to bore you with the details... but, I'm back and I hope to write more regularly!
About a month ago... April 16th to be exact, I was invited to a lovely tasting menu dinner at Aqua Restaurant at one of my favorite hotels - Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-30726221781951814852015-04-06T17:47:00.000+03:002015-04-06T17:47:01.578+03:00My New Haunts: Cookshop & Kahve Dünyası Dear readers,
I know I have been off the radar for quite a while now and haven't written a post in months but between travelling in December, ringing in the New Year,looking for a new apartment and then moving at the end of February ... well it has been pretty hectic to say the least!
I'm nearly settled in ... absolutely love my new apartment and neighborhood and have already gotten Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-34426250741296095932014-11-08T18:06:00.004+02:002015-11-06T14:10:48.879+03:00Lokanta Farina at Ormanada/Zekeriyaköy: For a Bit of Fresh Air & Delectable Delights!Update: Unfortunately this lovely restaurant has closed. (October 2015)
Dear readers,
We all have our "comfort zones" and are "set in our ways" one way or the other let it be in our dining & entertainment habits, where we shop, where we live... etc. etc.
Especially since I live in Istanbul and since we have a major traffic problem, I usually like to "stay closer to home" since I Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-15099833715958855282014-09-29T16:46:00.000+03:002014-09-29T16:46:33.970+03:00Atelier Real Food: "Back to Basics" at The Ritz Carlton, IstanbulDear readers,
During the latter part of the first week of this month, I received an email from Yasemin Uygurmen who is the Director of Public Relations at The Ritz Carlton, Istanbul Hotel. Although we know each other for years and "keep in touch" via Instagram, too my total amazement, she reminded me in her email that the last time we got together was nearly two years ago when I attended anDani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-163474489838749352014-08-11T18:12:00.000+03:002014-08-11T18:12:30.649+03:00Alaçatı 2014: Where I Ate: Casual & Cafe StyleDear readers,
In my previous post about my trip to Alaçatı, I wrote about the fine dining restaurants I visited... I hope you had a chance to read it and more importantly, if visiting Alaçatı, I hope you get a chance to try these very good restaurants.
In this post, I will share the restaurants I went to that are more casual and moderately priced for your outings with your friends or family. Dani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3679066780365783540.post-21580806053134765272014-08-06T18:46:00.002+03:002014-08-06T18:46:53.480+03:00Alaçatı 2014: Where I Ate: Fine Dining Picks/Club 29; Kapari Bahçe & MaNCarDear readers,
"Alaçatı 2014: Where I Stayed" was Part 1 of a 3-part series I plan on posting about my trip to the lovely Aegean coastline in Turkey: specifically Alaçatı on the Çeşme Peninsula.
I was in Alaçatı for two weeks a couple of weeks ago & we pretty much dined out every evening... some to places I went to last year (please refer to my write-ups on dining places in 2013), so I doDani's Logbook Destination Istanbul and Beyondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03247263834344137678noreply@blogger.com0