The Grand Dame of the Bosphorus enters a new era. Akdeniz by Esra Muslu is a hotspot for a splendid evening in Istanbul giving delicious and exquisite food combined with the elegant interiors of Ciragan Palace Kempinski.
A city that straddles two continents – Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, founded in the 7th century BCE by Greek settlers, with the cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here, Istanbul is a thrilling place to visit. The most populous city in Europe, Istanbul is where East and West meet with magnificent results. From holy sites to elegant cafes and high-fashion neighbourhoods, this sprawling city has it all.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
It’s not difficult to find the Ciragan Palace Kempinski as it has an enviable and unique position on the European shore of the Bosphorus and is undeniably one of the most important symbols of the city. It is the only Ottoman Palace and Hotel on the Bosphorus that once hosted Sultans and dates back to the 17th century. Historically the vast building has changed with the decades – in the past it boasted both a waterside summer villa and a marble palace.
We arrived on a hot summer evening, the taxi driver nodding with approval at our destination, and first impressions were magical. It certainly has the feel of a grand palace, with its 19th-century furniture, soaring columns and cool blue and beige interiors. The hotel entrance, lobby, rooms and suites have been completely redesigned and the feel is a balance of classic design married with a contemporary perspective.
History is everywhere – you definitely have a feeling that if walls could talk the stories would be fascinating. We walked through the corridors and out into the magnificent gardens embellished with palm trees and gazebos. A wedding was in full swing overlooking the water, and I couldn’t think of a more romantic location. The sound of laughter and music drifted up to us, intoxicating in the sultry evening air.
A unique culinary experience at two brand-new restaurants
As part of the hotel redesign and development two new restaurants have been opened. Gazebo adapts the Ottoman garden art and brings it into the present. The interior of the space opens to a beautiful garden which overlooks the Bosphorous, and has the ambience of a magnificent palace garden delivering elegance, taste and comfort.
Akdeniz by Esra Muslu
Our evening dinner reservation was at the second new restaurant Akdeniz by Esra Musla, where the cuisine is that of the tastes, colours and sounds of the Mediterranean. Esra Musla is one of the most successful female chefs in Turkey and has also brought Turkish flavours to London where she has the highly regarded restaurant Zahter.
We were pleased to discover our table outside looking out over the beautiful gardens, and eagerly perused the menu. Our first dish was something new to me but so absolutely beautiful – smoked labneh with zahter served with lavosh bread. It was stunning, silky smooth garnished with lemon and oil – I was tempted to carry on eating this one dish all night and forgo the rest. However, we moved on to the cooling taste of watermelon with feta cheese, given a kick with a fabulous chilli jam.
My partner then chose the wood oven jumbo prawns with garlic butter which were large and perfectly cooked, and I opted for the aged entrecôte with roasted red onion, turnip and green apple, chermoula sauce. I loved the freshness of the ingredients which sang out from the plate, light, fresh and absolutely delicious. By this stage we were more than comfortably replete but were recommended to try the chocolate nemesis with dried roses to end our meal, which was everything it should be – and more.
The wine list was extensive and we decided to try the Sevilen, Premium, Chardonnay, Menderes, from Izmir in Turkey. Deep gold colour with a buttery feel in the mouth, it was excellent.
A perfect evening
We ambled back slowly through the palace, stopping to read the exhibits which recount the rich history of this Ottoman-era hotel, looking at the photos of bygone times and the unparalleled beauty of this building. It had been a perfect evening in a city which is comfortable where it sits at the crossroads of Asia and Europe and in a grand palace that equally reminds of the past but celebrates the future.
To discover more about Akdeniz by Esra Musla, visit: kempinski.com
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All imagery courtesy of Kempinski Hotels.