Istanbul in Hollywood

You know that song - Putting on the Ritz. The chorus...Istanbul is Constantinople.

Well - on our second week of HB trying new foods we made a visit to Turkey last night.

Gobble - Gobble.

Once again, he referred to our handy dandy rag mag and picked a place down on Hollywood Beach.

Mostly vegan delights (though there was plenty of meat selections on the menu) - and once again my fave food - eggplant. We had stuffed grape leaves, a Turkish salad that was made from tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and feta. Stuffed cigars with mint and feta and grilled eggplant served with a yogurt sauce. The main course that we shared was a variety of lamb. Chunked, sliced and grilled. The place wasn't much to look at on the inside (very diner like) but the view was great. Who can beat the ocean!

We ordered a bottle of Turkish wine - that still had pieces of grapes settled on the bottom.

For dessert we had some Turkish coffee (once again there was a very thick sludgey settlement from the coffee - what's with that?) It put espresso to shame. It was very tasty - you just couldn't drink till the last drop or you would be sucking on grounds. The owner then gave us two little bites of Baklava so that we could enjoy the flavors together.

I have to give HB credit. Usually - he sticks with the basics and he is really trying to expand his dining horizons.

So far on our second trip of food finds - he's done really well picking new places to venture.

I usually sit there and try to figure out the ingredients so that maybe I can try to make it one night at home. I think I can do the Turkish Salad and I think it would go good with any meat myself!

I am so excited - can't wait to see what country we will visit next week.

Way to go HB!