Cafe Fernando

Swan Raspberry Eclairs

Lately, I have developed a huge interest on all things Julia Child. I have ordered many of her books and her DVDs from Amazon. It is no surprise that a lot of people are obsessed with her. It is much more obvious after reading “My Life in France”. As the title suggests, it is a memoir of her life and culinary adventures during her years in Paris. Her passion about food, all the details she can remember about the food she ate 50 years ago and how she takes all of these so seriously is mind blowing. More on my recent Julia Child obsession later…

I also ordered “Baking with Julia”, another amazing cookbook, this time adorned with Dorie Greenspan’s wonderful writing. Her detailed descriptions, expertise and passion makes all the difference. I am hooked on her writing ever since I bought “Chocolate Deserts by Pierre Herme”.

Read more >>

Ricotta and Basil Muffins

When I was asked to come up with a savory muffin for Pure by Cuppa, a juice bar that opened inside Harvey Nichols at Turkey’s first open-air mall Kanyon, I exhausted pretty much every website I frequently visit and cooking book I have to come up with alternatives. To tell the truth, I came across very few savory recipes that tempted me.

Read more >>

Pera Thai

I am mad about Thai food. Unfortunately, there are not that many Thai restaurants in Istanbul. In fact, there are not that many restaurants representing other countries’ food in Istanbul. I am pretty sure some Turkish people will disagree, but my bar is high. I am not counting some street corner/all touristic Thai or Indian restaurant located in Sultanahmet area with distasteful shop sign boards. And I am not counting world renowned chefs visiting five star hotels for a limited period of time. I demand authenticity coupled with fresh ingredients, pleasant decor and consistency. I demand an abundant number of restaurants for each cuisine. Hell, I also demand cheap (but still tasteful) versions for take out. But who’s listening?

Read more >>