Van Kahvaltı Evi

by szaza

Van Kahvaltı Evi in Cihangir has got to be the tastiest breakfast in town, with a great team of waiters who fly through the packed room balancing trays of tea glasses and burning hot plates of menemen. I swear I could live off of bal kaymak— a heavenly pairing of honey and a thick, clotted cream— and the cevizli çemen, which I assume has something to do with walnuts and fenugreek (as that's what the name translates to). It's a delightfully tangy paste that I thoroughly enjoy spreading on bread with a bit of egg. At the end of the feast, we decided to sketch our waiters in action, over a çay.

by PeF

After some initial scouting by the waiters, our books were snatched away to be shown around with big grins.
We were kindly offered some Turkish coffee, and some more smiles.

Van Kahvaltı Evi
Defterdar Yokuşu No:52 Beyoğlu

Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzesi

Figurine of Goddess, Syria. —PeF

The Istanbul Archaeological Museum, home to many a delightful artefact, is located in Gülhane Park, just before reaching Sultanahmet. There are several buildings which contain various ancient items from across the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions— it is recommended that you visit with plenty of time to see it all, or you'll end up getting kicked out by an impatient security guard. If you plan to sketch, be aware that it is not allowed to sit on the floor and draw for some reason, but standing is fine.

Bull shaped ritual vessel. —szaza