Vakko 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 couple of newcomers that have caught my eye have opened in my neighborhood: Vakko Patisserie Petit Four (December, 2016) at Akmerkez Shopping Mall and Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie (February 2017) on Nispetiye Caddesi (Street) in Etiler...

@ Akmerkez Shopping Mall

@ Nispetiye Caddesi, Etiler

It was a cold and crisp day the first time I went to Vakko Patisserie several weeks ago: I had some errands to run and decided to stop by for a cup of Turkish coffee to check it out. Located at the Etiler side entrance of the mall, besides entering through the posh retail shop Vakko, you can also bypass the mall and enter from the street side entrance...

@ Akmerkez Shopping Mall

I entered the patisserie from the Vakko shop's entrance and immediately got mesmerized from the display of desserts staring back at me! I must say it was mouthwatering!

Vakko Patisserie Petit Four

Before I continue, I want to give my readers some info about Vakko, a posh and trendy longstanding family owned retailer selling its own line of clothing, accessories, etc. as well as selling those of other local and international brands. Vakko's history is long and interesting, so visit their website if you want additional info. 

Moreover, Vakko might have just opened its first (I'm sure not last) pastry shop but the retailer has been the purveyor of its own brand of first class and delectable chocolates for many many years... my personal favorite is the chocolate covered Turkish Delights. So, I wasn't totally surprised when they branched out and in fact, wondered why they waited so long!

The pastry and chocolate display area also has a small seating area, but I suggest you sit in the more spacious nicely decorated terrace (with an opening/closing ceiling) with comfy seating. The patisserie is not very big, but quaint and beautifully decorated in pastel tones.

Vakko Patisserie Petit Four

Besides the scrumptious desserts ... which are prepared under the supervision of famed pastry chef Philippe Chatelain (who holds the title Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pattissier) by another noted French pastry chef Ghislain Gaille. I must admit, the French are masters at making desserts that's for sure! 

Vakko Patisserie also has a nice selection of soups, eggs, sandwiches, salads, etc. prepared by French chef Anthony Baudet, which I can't wait to try! Undoubtedly, the menu also includes a wide selection of coffees and teas with a special "tea time" menu. A glass of champagne or wine might also hit the spot in the afternoon or early evening... ask to see the separate menu.

I've been to Vakko Patisserie twice since it opened and on both occasions only had a Turkish coffee (wonderful presentation!) served with Vakko's chocolates...

Vakko Patisserie Petit Four

BUT... the first time I went, I succumbed and did buy a Vanilla Millefeuille (napoleon in English) to eat later at home! 

Vakko Patisserie Petit Four

I can't begin to tell you how good it was!!!! I can honestly say it was the best millefeuille I've had in my long life as a major dessert eater and lover!! But, after finally reaching my ideal weight in November, 2016 after years of being overweight, my love affair with desserts is limited and has to be worth it - and the pastries at Vakko Patisserie are definitely worth walking a few extra kilometers with Luka to maintain my weight!

Vakko Patisserie is open daily between 10:00am and 10:00pm. Bon appetit! (www.vakko.com.tr) 

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Beyaz Fırın, when literally translated means "White Oven". But, the word "fırın" when used in this context, also means "purveyor of all sorts of sweet and salty baked goods". 

This family owned baked goods seller has been around since 1836! With 6 branches on the Asian side of the city, Beyaz Fırın has finally opened a branch on the European side of the city (if we don't count the fact that it's first branch was in the historical Balat neighborhood in 1836). The brand started evolving and flourishing in the mid-1990s and has a very good reputation with quality products and services.

I stopped by the newly opened Etiler branch last week on a sunny afternoon during our walk with Luka. I ran into a couple of friends and sat and had a cup of Turkish coffee with them.

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie, Etiler

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie, Etiler

The 2-story indoor and outdoor seating venue is fairly large with seating for 300 indoors and 184 in the outdoor section. Simply decorated in the brand's colors which are turquoise and orange, both the indoor and outdoor sections are airy and comfortable.

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie, Etiler

I had the opportunity to meet Nathalie Stoyanof, the 5th generation family member running the organization about 10 years ago when I interviewed her for an article for The Guide Istanbul when I was the General Manager and Editor-in-Chief at one of their branches on the Asian side of the city (can't remember which branch) and I was very impressed with the variety of their baked goods. Ms. Stoyanof-Suda is also an accomplished pastry chef and graduated from the Cordon Bleu in France, so she's very hands on.

I didn't eat anything on this first visit, but did look at their mouthwatering selections and purchased a bag of whole wheat crackers to munch on at home! But, I did take lots of pictures and wanted to share just some of them with you to wet your appetite! Did I mention that they also make their own chocolates too?

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie, Etiler

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie, Etiler

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie

  

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie, Etiler

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie, Etiler

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie

While there, I forgot to look at the menu for the Brasserie... but thank god for the internet where I found the pdf for their menu. I suggest you DON'T look at it if you are hungry!!! The menu is incredibly vast with all sorts of Turkish and international goodies... and all illustrated with lovely photographs of the dishes served!!!!

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie

Beyaz Fırın & Brasserie is open daily from 7:00am to midnight (winter) and until 1:00am (summer).

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I am sure that once the weather starts warming up, I will be going back to these two newcomers in my neighborhood more frequently during my walks with Luka or with friends... I'm definitely in trouble! 


Stay well,
Dani

TOI ISTANBUL: Revisited at New Location

Dear 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 Burçak Desombre, a certified sommelier who organizes tasting menu dinners with wine pairings for groups up to 20 people at noteworthy restaurants around the city.

Although I have written about TOI Istanbul before (May, 2016), I felt this lovely fine dining restaurant deserved an update so that I could give you info about its new location as well as general info about the menu, etc.

TOI (pronounced toy-e) Istanbul moved to its current location in Kuruçeşme, right across the street from Kuruçeşme Park on the Bosphorus in November, 2016. The venue was quite popular at it's previous location, but now, TOI Istanbul can accept more diners and is more centrally located.

On the 2nd floor of a two story building (Japanese restaurant below)... as you walk up the stairs, you know you will be stepping into a fine dining restaurant...

TOI Istanbul 

Dimly lit and elegantly decorated, the dining tables can be organized based on the reservations for the evening... so a huge table was set up for our group in the center of the dining room ...

TOI Istanbul

Also... notice the ceiling? Once the weather warms up, it can be opened so you can not only enjoy an "outdoor" dining experience, but will also have a lovely view of the Bosphorus depending on where you are sitting!

I'm not going to share photos of our dinner as I did this in my previous post and don't want to repeat myself. Moreover, some of the tasting dishes we had were "off the menu items". I must add however that I love the china ... all plates are not the same size or color, but rather selected and designed for the dish you order. The water glasses are colorful and butter dishes are ceramic. So, not only is the food fantastic, but the presentation refined and appealing! The music played is also very good and further adds to a fine dining experience. 

Now,  I will give you  general information about TOI's menu. Chef and owner Ismet Saz (you can also read about him in my previous post), changes his menu every 45 to 50 days, but does keep some of the favorites as long as it's in season.   

The a la carte menu is not very crowded and includes 10 starters (24 TL - 62 TL); 4 pasta & risotto (40 TL - 46 TL) dishes , 10 main courses, with an emphasis on fish (41 TL to 175 TL) and 4 sides (22 TL). Unfortunately, I forgot to look at the dessert menu as I'm constantly watching my weight now that I'm where I'm supposed to be after losing 17 kg last year!

There is also a 7-course tasting menu (currently 195 TL), with (115 TL) or without wine pairing option which you can order at your table or Chef's Table area. 

Just like at its previous location, their is an open kitchen with a section for those diners opting for a Chef's Table experience (up to 4-6 people) with a spacious fully-stocked bar withseating. Of course, let's not forget TOI's wine list which is very impressive with an extensive list of wines from Turkey and around the world at prices that are lower than at "like" restaurants around the city! So, you can easily enjoy a bottle (or 2 ... or 3...) with your meal without paying through the nose! By the glass prices are a little higher, but the quality of the wines warrant the higher prices. 

TOI Istanbul

Last, but not least... TOI is now serving Sunday Brunch between 11:00am and 4:00pm. But, this is not your typical open buffet Sunday Brunch to be sure! Besides some of the "classics" fresh lobster, shrimp, Serrano ham and so much more is offered (I have to definitely go!) for a cost of 195 TL/person which includes a glass of champagne (Moet & Chandon).

Our group totally enjoyed our night at TOI Istanbul ... the food was fantastic... the ambiance as expected and great conversation with new and old acquaintances... what else can you ask for? Reservations are highly recommended. 

TOI Istanbul

Stay well,
Dani

TOI ISTANBUL
Kuruçeşme Caddesi No. 11
Kuruçeşme, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 258 00 29
www.toiistanbul.com.tr
Open Monday-Saturday between 
6:00pm 2:00am
Sunday Brunch served on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month