http://www.chow.com/boards/52 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:49:59 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/665203#5163177 I would not recommend Hamdi. I've had too many tourist trap experiences there over the years- overcharging, etc. Hamdi, for some reason, is in every guide book and I think they've become comfortable with that and reduced quality and particularly service. For a good local kebab place I recommend Zubeyir. The folks there are wonderful. Sit right at the grill if you can handle the heat. inexpensive fresh fish with drinks can be had down in the Karakoy fish market. I had a couple of drinks and an extremely fresh grilled blue fish and a salad there last week for ~25 USD. I suggest Akin Balik down there. For upscale and pricey fish in the same area with a spectacular view go to Grifin. Adembaba for a fish lunch is hard to beat. Another good place for meze is Sofyali 9, and Antiochia for something a bit different. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:18:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665203#5163177 http://www.chow.com/topics/665184#5163040 There was a wine shop/vault (kava) near Panormou Sqr called Svolos (http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=9952362385890424800&q=svolos,athens.greece&hl=en&cd=1&cad=src:pplink&ei=Rov1SoWPL8yi_Qazx9WUAg&sig2=ybQX0vlOd8NQ9lWy2Do0SA) that had wines from small producers across Greece. They also used to do wine tasting, seminars etc. I dont know if they are still there and if they still that stuff, but it had a treasure of wines to taste. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:04:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665184#5163040 http://www.chow.com/topics/661416#5161440 Her articles come out on Fridays, but it seems to be mostly recipes. I know she does reviews too though. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:43:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661416#5161440 http://www.chow.com/topics/661948#5156783 Thank you, Antman, for your helpful response. Everything you recommend sounds wonderful, but given our limited time and the lack of culinary adventure genes in my traveling companions, we'll play it by ear. I have voluminous notes on Ciya and on a variety of other recommended spots, which we'll bring along and consult as we go. I especially appreciate the recommendation for Karakoy Lokantasi since it's fairly close to the ship and sounds wonderful. I hope we'll get back to Istanbul soon and get a chance to try some of the others including Grifin. We'll let you know where we end up eating and provide a report on our return. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:57:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661948#5156783 http://www.chow.com/topics/645030#5149957 Too funny!! We ate there 3 times in 4 days, too! It really is that good. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:25:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/645030#5149957 http://www.chow.com/topics/663474#5142413 Yesterday, the National Geographic Travel Blog posted about dining in Istanbul. http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2009/10/istanbul-eats.html#more Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:08:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663474#5142413 http://www.chow.com/topics/659266#5135701 Thank You Thank You Thank You. I am so looking forward to my visit in Istanbul. Your graciousness is appreciated! Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:16:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659266#5135701 http://www.chow.com/topics/651410#5122037 Saganaki in Greek means, small frying pans. And in cooking, it refers to anything cooked and presented in small frying pans. To make a traditional cheese saganaki, you need a hard cheese of some kind, either kefalotyri (translation, headcheese, i think head here refers to the hardness of the cheese) or Halloumi, that can hold up during the cooking process. You can do something similar with feta,. In Greek it's called feta psyti (pysti refers to anything roasted in the oven, or grilled) At home, you can do this by wrapping the feta either in parchment paper or aluminimum foil , add some spices, olive oil and small amount of rough chopped tomatoes, and cook it under a broiler , under a watchful eye, and at fairly low temperature, or alternatively, you can do it over a burner in a griddle pan. You will see the results are different, while saganaki cheese holds up and forms a nice crust, the fetapsyti, will soften and some of the brine will leach out and mix in nicely with few other ingredients you've added Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:13:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651410#5122037 http://www.chow.com/topics/660418#5111687 Though often praised as one of Istanbul's top fine dining experiences, I wouldnt return to Lacivert if you paid me. They do have their own private water shuttle which takes you across the Bosporus to the restaurant setting the mood for a lovely night. And they do have some of the best waterfront property in the city. Most tables have excellent unobstructed views of the water and Rumeli Hisari across on the European side. But that is about where the pleasantries stop. The food was wildly inconsistent in quality. Of 4 courses, 2 were real losers. One octopus appetizer was inedible so we sent back (and after sending it back the waitress actually set it on an adjacent table and dissected it with another waiter presumably to see what we were complaining about and whether we were lying about its toughness). However, the fener fish entree was quite nice as was the trotters soup. Creme brulee, once again nearly inedible due to poor preparation. I am pretty sure it wasnt fired at all but microwaved before serving. Ahh, which brings we to service. Worst I've encountered in Turkey. First lets begin with the wine service. Our waitress gave us a deer in headlights look when we asked her about some of the wines. She misrepresented several bottles of Turkish wine as foreign. Then when we settled on bottle of red and found out it was not available she interrupted our conversation leaned in way too close and flung a wine menu on the table and suggested a bottle of white wine instead. I dont know what sort of customers these restaurants are used to, but in my mind, diners that are ready to drop 100 TL/person on a dinner can tell the difference between a pinot noir and a savignon blanc. You'd think the restaurants would take the time to explain such things to their staff. This wine story is par for the course in Istanbul. Istanbul fine dining establishments have got to represent the biggest void of wine knowledge in all of the European continent. I think it is completely irresponsible to sell a bottle of Yellow Tail Shiraz for $80, but a slap in the face to have an untrained waitress tell you that that Yellow Tail is a world class wine. Then to top it off, when looking at the bill we saw that the waitress had added in a 10% tip for herself. When questioned, she said it was for "bread and plates", not tip. Since when is bread calculated at a percentage of the entire bill? In the end they took it off of the bill but the whole situation was very poorly handled. Its easy to spend a small fortune on a dinner in Istanbul, try Mikla where at least the staff is well trained. But please dont bother with Lacivert which belongs among the lowly ranks of the Sultanahmet carpet conmen. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:16:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660418#5111687 http://www.chow.com/topics/656496#5101639 Thank you Aleta, I'm working on it! :) Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:15:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656496#5101639 http://www.chow.com/topics/635896#5100703 TZITZIKAS KAI MERMIGAS, 26 Aischylou, Athens. There are several locations and if you spell it like that, you will find their website. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:02:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/635896#5100703 http://www.chow.com/topics/659046#5098766 I recall some discussion on raw meatballs with meat vs veggie raw meatballs on this board during the summer. I couldnt find the exact thread. At any rate, below find the link to two very distinct cig kofte in Istanbul- one is with meat and the other is without. http://istanbuleats.com/2009/10/cig-kofte-the-raw-deal/#more-604 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:14:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659046#5098766 http://www.chow.com/topics/655536#5090375 Thank You!!!! Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:52:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655536#5090375 http://www.chow.com/topics/345190#5090314 you are thinking of Pando. Great place for Kaymak. see the link for the address. Enjoy. http://istanbuleats.com/2009/04/kaymak-the-heavenly-cream/ Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:31:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/345190#5090314 http://www.chow.com/topics/657066#5080136 We had a wonderful lunch at Ciya! It was fairly easy to find and the trip on the ferry was very nice. I had an eggplant/lamb meatball/tomato dish that was out of this world. My friend had iskander kabob. He said it was the best he had ever tasted. I had a pumpkin/walnut/tahinni dessert that was amazing. I'm now in a serious search for a good Turkish cookbook written in English. Any suggestions??? Thanks, salemjan Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:28:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657066#5080136 http://www.chow.com/topics/604029#5079521 Many of the restaurants reviewed at the Istanbul Eats website are plotted on a google map and you can view the map - including a "close up" of each location, when you click on this link: http://tinyurl.com/yefcvx7 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:10:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/604029#5079521 http://www.chow.com/topics/657065#5079325 Hi all, A friend and I are in Instanbul for about 10 days and we have used many of your suggestions, especially Istanbuleats. Thanks to all the posters who have done research for us prior to our visit! We are going to try Ciya Sofrasu today. We are very excited about it. Hamdi's is a favorite of ours too. We have already eaten there two times. The view is fantastic with the 3rd floor being the best. We would also like to recommend the small restaurants on Hocapasha Soaka near Sirkaci Station. There are many small places that are top-notch. Our number one favorite place is Kesap Osman for Iskander kabab. There is a place kitty corner from that where we have had lentil chorba twice and it also has outstanding firin sutlac. Thanks and enjoy!!! salemjan Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:12:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657065#5079325 http://www.chow.com/topics/656933#5078187 My one visit to this restaurant wasn't enjoyable, and after sitting down, looking at the menu and speaking with one of the owners - I chose to leave and find someplace else to eat. My principal discomfort was that much of what was listed on the menu wasn't available and the attitude of the male owner as I spoke with him was offensive to me - and I'd made a special trip from Sultanahmet just eat at the place. If someone plans to be at Galata Tower and is hungry, it's easy enough to find the restaurant - but I don't suggest someone make a special trip to the restaurant (for the "we don't have that anymore" response to questions). Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:39:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656933#5078187 http://www.chow.com/topics/651979#5068570 Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi makes a nice Turkish coffee gift set with a copper coffee pot, coffee and small Turkish coffee cups with their label on it (designed by a very important early Republican era graphic designer). it's located behind the Egyptian Bazaar in Eminonu. its easy to find but here's their link: http://www.mehmetefendi.com/eng/pages/i.html you can also wander from eminonu through the very atmospheric market streets of kucukpazari to the ottoman era candy shop Altan Sekerleme for a box of Turkish delight. the experience itself is well worth it. this is one of the few Ottoman era shops that have not been spoiled by poor renovations. here is a review of the place with the address: http://istanbuleats.com/2009/07/altan-sekerleme-more-than-just-eye-candy/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:46:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651979#5068570 http://www.chow.com/topics/574577#5049620 I am so glad I just noticed this posting because I have been to the BEST Chinese place ever in Greece...East Pearl in Pireas, in Marina Zeas area. it is Excellent. I think not everything on the menu is good, but we got seafood wrapped in seaweed and scallion shrimp steamed dumplings for an appetizer, spicy hot chicken with jasmine rice, and a half roast peking duck. It is the only place here that does peking duck the right way. crispy crispy on the outside and succulent-ly tender on the inside. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:09:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/574577#5049620 http://www.chow.com/topics/637174#5041757 Also check http://www.istanbulculinary.com/eng/amateur-program/monthly-calendar for updates on 1-day workshops. Quite entertaining, first you go to a local market and do the shopping, then come back to the institute and cook them, enjoy them and a great experience. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:15:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/637174#5041757 http://www.chow.com/topics/532790#5035378 We have just returned from a week in Western Crete, and wanted to add another recommendation. Dinner at Leventis in Ano Stalos (between Daratso and Platanias) was the highlight of our trip. There were no tourists, the food was exquisite, and price tag reasonable. www.athinaeos.com/gastronomy/restaurants/greece/crete/leventis/leventis_tavern.html www.leventis-tavern.com Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:54:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/532790#5035378 http://www.chow.com/topics/651807#5028492 Thanks for weighing in. Is that the place with the stuffed donkey out front? Never tried their manti but I've always been curious. I will give it a try this week and post up. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:18:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651807#5028492 http://www.chow.com/topics/628976#5015794 They're about the same as you can buy on your grocer's shelf, and you use them the same way . . . I'm recalling. They're product sdisplayed for tourists visiting the market. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:29:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628976#5015794 http://www.chow.com/topics/650794#5012683 Turkish foods master list I have been working really hard in editing, and building a list of the very best of Turkish foods. It's a little messy, because I don't know which foods taste best in which regions? I have some of them listed next to their preferred cities (the best cities to try that particular food), but I think I need more advice. Also, I'd be happy if you added any more items to the list. Thanks -BREAD: Tandır Ekmegi, Chorek, Gözleme (yakhsiz), Bazlama, -BREAKFAST: Menemen, (beyaz peynir, tulum peynir (erzincan), kaşar, Kurut, keş, süzme yoğurt, Çökelek), -SALATA: Kısır Salata (Bulgar), Taramasalata, Semizotu salatasi, Çoban salatası, Gavurdağı salatasi (Adana), patlıcan salatası -DRINKS; şerbet, Shalgum (Adana), Sahlep, -MAIN: * Acılı ezme * Acuka * Borani * Çerkez tavuğu (Eskishir) * Deniz Börülcesi (Mugla) * Fasulye pilaki,* Hardalotu * Haydari * İçli köfte (Adana) * Muammara * Köpoğlu, Patlıcan kebabs, patlıcan dolma, patlıcan reçeli, (Mantı with yogurt, and Pastirma from Kayseri), Mercimek köfte, Mücver, Çılbır, Ispanaklı yumurta, Fıstıklı kebap, Bademli Tavuk, Katmer, Cacık, Miroloto, imam bayildi, Beyti Kebab, hamsi kusu,Perde pilavı, Acem pilavi, Yayla Corbasi, Bakla Çorbasi,Kakat, Maamoul, Gruyere, tutmac, Kandil simidi, Kashkak, Etlekmek, Cigkofte (rolled up in lavash), -DESSERTS: Irmik Helva, Pişmaniye, Dilberdudağı, Sarığıburma, Revani, Güllaç, hünkâr beğendi, Revani, kazandibi, tavuk göğsü, yaz helvası, tahin helvasi, şekerpare, kalburabasde, dilber dudağı, vezir parmağı, hanım göbeği, kemalpaşa, zerde, höşmerim (Balikesir), paluze, peltesi, tatlisi, Asure, acıbadem kurabiyesi, Bilbilan Yaylas (erzerum), Laz böreği, cevizli kurabiye ay çöreği, ezmesi, Bülbül yuvası, Sütlü Nuriye, Keşkül, Çatal, Cezerye (mersin), pruni mahalebi, sicak helva, Suflach, Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:58:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650794#5012683 http://www.chow.com/topics/650767#5012427 I'll be traveling to Thessaloniki in mid-October for an extended stay and I'm looking for recommendations on where to eat in and around the city. Some excellent seafood places?? Ouzeries?? Thanks in advance for the help. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:13:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650767#5012427 http://www.chow.com/topics/649916#5006273 We just returned from Athens and found Varoulko to be so pretentious from the start of trying to make us order the price fixed dinner the waiter suggested to the bill that was 30 euro over what we ordered. I would caution anyone going there to beware and check your bill! We liked Sardeles in Gazi and didn't find Mamacas to be as bad as others say on this board. We also liked To Pytaneion on Miglioni Street in Kolanki for casual fare done very well. Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:25:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649916#5006273 http://www.chow.com/topics/649471#5001373 So fun! I'm leaving today for a vacation to Istanbul and the Greek islands. Will def want to check out this fish market. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:23:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649471#5001373 http://www.chow.com/topics/637970#5001372 If you will arrive Athens first, near Syntagma Square is a place called Masticha Shop. Masticha is a gum ,or resin from trees that only grow in Chios, and no place else in the world. I would suggest the Masticha liquor that you serve chilled, but for cooks, you can make incredible sauces, like no other. They have a complimentary recipe booklet that you can include in the gift bag. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:22:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/637970#5001372 http://www.chow.com/topics/638990#4995030 Here is the website: http://kollias.gr/psarotaverna.htm Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:29:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/638990#4995030 http://www.chow.com/topics/646014#4991879 The W, in Besiktas, is pretty central. It's easy to get to many areas easily. I had a horrible meal at Spice Market in the W recently. I would not recommend it. Vogue (in Besiktas) is a nice experience but maybe a bit over the top. I read a good review of a place called Konyali which is right beside the W. But I haven't been there yet. For a meal like this my fallback plan is always Abracadabra in Arnavutkoy. It's a 10 minute taxi ride up the Bosporus from the W. Very interesting and not over the top. Dig through previous posts on this place. Most people seem to like it. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:09:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/646014#4991879 http://www.chow.com/topics/629015#4978211 True - we ate them in June! Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:50:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629015#4978211 http://www.chow.com/topics/647533#4978186 I can't remember any particular restaurants, but be sure to eat a Skopelos cheese pie, which is spanakopita or tiropita made into a rope, then coiled and fried. Also, there is a loukoumathes stand, a tiny place in town, that makes the fried dough puffs right in front of you. I remember the fish was good, and that some restaurants had more Italian-style food, catering to the people who frequent the island. Have fun! Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:33:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/647533#4978186 http://www.chow.com/topics/647274#4974833 I would like to take my hubby out to a decent birthday dinner on September 6 in Athens and another dinner on September 11 or 12 (Friday / Saturday) in Istanbul. I tried searching Concierge and Travel & Leisure but many of the recs don't even apply anymore. Are there any decent restos that are hot and trendy right now? We are 30 year-olds from LA and would love to find good food in a bar/lounge-y type atmosphere. Since we are on a budget and suffering from the recession, I would not want to spend more than $100/person for each dinner. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:52:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/647274#4974833 http://www.chow.com/topics/642833#4952202 Spondi is an excellent restaurant better than several two star restaurants in France. The cuisine is modern French and the desserts are absolutely superb. My advice is go. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:27:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/642833#4952202 http://www.chow.com/topics/577817#4948559 Just a note to Julie's post. I went to Telis a few weeks ago. Now a plate of pork chops costs 8 euros. It has only some lessor quality chips to accompany, and if you want salad and/or tzatziki, you need to order as side dishes. You are also charged for bread. For this reason, I won't call it very economical. You can easily find a platter of meat, salad, tzatziki, chips, and pita for 8 euros or so anywhere in Athens. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:12:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/577817#4948559 http://www.chow.com/topics/643553#4945629 does who take reservations? Abracadabra? yes. Grifin? yes. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:21:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/643553#4945629 http://www.chow.com/topics/642680#4924669 My wife and I will be in Mykonos on a cruise ship that docks at 6 and sails at midnight, so we want to get off the boat and eat dinner in town. We want something casual and fun, but good food is a must. One place I keep hearing about is Sea Satin market, near the windmills. Other recommendations? Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:34:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/642680#4924669 http://www.chow.com/topics/641839#4915281 I have been hunting down a serious Georgian restaurant in Istanbul for several years now. I tried Galata House- not very good food and certainly not Georgian. The Golden Fleece in Talimhane closed up shop before I could get in there. There's a small place in Cihangir run by a Georgian lady (partners with Kay of Kay's pizza) but there's no kitchen talent. Lobio resembled canned Van Camp's. Hinkali was limp in places, hard in others. I can't believe that such a large population of Turks of Georgian origin haven't got one serious place to eat. There are some good Circassian-Turkish restaurants, particularly in Adapazari, but I'd like to find something specifically Georgian. I'm happy to make a day trip for a true khachapuri. thanks for the help. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:14:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/641839#4915281 http://www.chow.com/topics/635897#4891666 Enstitu serves breakfast and lunch, monday thru saturday. There is a seasonal menu, a daily menu and a selection of deserts from the house. It's a mixture of international and local cuisine with a special focus on zeytinyagli dishes (w/ vegetable, w/o meat, cooked in olive oil and served cool). It may be tough to find a table in a typical work day, since the place will probably be packed with people from neighbouring companies and tourists. Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:48:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/635897#4891666 http://www.chow.com/topics/639482#4891005 Does anyone have any good local advice for a hungry person who finds themselves in Eyup around lunchtime? I love taking friends and family over there to walk among the tombs but i always get anxious around lunchtime. i dont have a spot there. I've tried a couple of the kebab places on the square near the Mosque but none really impressed me. Where's the food Mecca (so to speak) of the neighborhood? thanks! Sun, 26 Jul 2009 07:55:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/639482#4891005 http://www.chow.com/topics/638961#4888302 nonibear, i suggest you look through the previous posts on this board. there is plenty of discourse on Ciya, the foodie shrine of the city. greasy breakfasts at Lades 2 or Van Kahvaltasi. I also suggest the little kosks inside of Yildiz park for long turkish breakfast sans carhorns. kebab at zubeyir. abracadabra for a "nicer" dinner out. narrow things down a bit and i am sure people will chime in. check www.istanbuleats.com for detailed reviews, addresses, etc. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:17:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/638961#4888302 http://www.chow.com/topics/617728#4864015 We stayed there last trip and concur heartily. Breakfast was included in room rate which was around EU 140.00. Very nice hotel, breakfast was a highlight (so nice to have peeled and sectioned mandarins to eat with the wonderful Greek yogurt). Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:02:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/617728#4864015 http://www.chow.com/topics/632532#4863682 I loved the food in Thessaloniki. I lucked out with mezes near the market- chose a place that was fairly popular with the locals at lunch time, and was happy with everything I ordered. Also had a nice upscale lunch in the restaurant located on the ground floor of the Electra Palace Hotel, on Aristotelous Square- can't remember whether it was called Agioli or Ciel which both are located in the hotel. The service was great, and the menu's selections were interesting and innovative. Nice atmosphere and good food. Definitely try the chocolate tsoureki if you get a chance, at Terkenlis Patisserie-they were sold out when I was there, but the other pastries were delicious! Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:42:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632532#4863682 http://www.chow.com/topics/384137#4863537 "Greeks are known for their Trojan Horse- you cannot fully trust what they are serving you?" "Eggplant dishes also have some meat renderings in them." "In most of the vegetarian stews have beef extract in them" Do you like to generalize, lionelmoser? One just needs to know how to eat when one is in Greece and how to read a Greek menu in context. Most restaurants in most European countries, including Greece, tend to add meat or broth to vegetable stews or soups, if the restaurant is not a strictly vegetarian restaurant or a kosher dairy restaurant. There is a considerable tradition of fasting in Greece, so if you happen to be visiting during a fast, it might be easier to find traditional foods that are vegetarian. Some fast days avoid meat, others dairy, and sometimes all animal products, depending on the occasion. Tell the server that you are a strict vegetarian, rather than ordering a dish blindly off the menu and expecting it to be vegetarian because it was filed under Vegetables. I've never found any critters in any vegetable dishes in Greece, and I can tell you that the Greeks I know personally wash their vegetables much more carefully than most North Americans I know. I would guess that tourist trap restaurants might not be as careful checking their produce, so I would suggest trying to eat where the locals eat. Dishes like melitzanasalata, an eggplant salad, do not have meat rendering, and neither has any version of imam bayaldi I have tried (yes Turkish word, but a common dish in Greece). I haven't noticed any "beef extract" in any vegetable dishes I have ordered. I'm not saying it might not happen in some places, but I don't believe it is a common practice in better restaurants. I eat primarily seafood, vegetables and dairy (including animal rennet cheeses) when I visit Greece. Here is a list of vegetarian friendly restaurants in Greece: http://www.happycow.net/europe/greece/athens/ http://www.frommers.com/destinations/athens/D11249.html There's even a tour set up for vegetarians and vegans: http://www.paleologos.gr/exploring-greece/vegetarian-vegan.htm Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:00:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/384137#4863537 http://www.chow.com/topics/532267#4847482 I hate to admit that the only place I looked for in Rhodes was Natura Greca, which was not as exciting as I had anticipated. We didn't make it to the restaurants recommended in the post, but I was very satisfied with my meals in Rhodes. We even ate at the bus stop in Lindos and the food was really good. It was also so hot that all I wanted were salads. We did make it into Lindos one evening and it is very touristy, but we found a good restaurant with seating on the roof. I always ordered the giant beans with tomatoes (gigandes or gigantes I think) and salad. Everything was delicious and I was never disappointed with the food. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:38:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/532267#4847482 http://www.chow.com/topics/629411#4846674 besiktas to kadikoy boats leave every 15 or 20 mins. more regularly in high traffic times. ive never waited more than 10 mins. ride takes about 20 mins. dock to ciya another 10 mins max (get your route sorted out before hand so you arent wandering, but its easy to find. it is on google maps). lunch can be done in 30-40 assuming you dont order kebabs (which arent really as interesting as the ready food anyway) and are assertive with the staff. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:48:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629411#4846674 http://www.chow.com/topics/608254#4845309 cheers ACOZ. I agree Beyti is a bit above the cut. I've been there a few times. I just dont think it is worth the money. To each his own though. i'm the kind of guy that just goes for food, not the bowtied waiters. i'd probably pick a lamb chop from a trash can and eat it if i thought it'd taste good. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:58:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/608254#4845309 http://www.chow.com/topics/623770#4832355 Good post. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:53:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/623770#4832355 http://www.chow.com/topics/622332#4829676 In Plaka Elounda, we ate at a lovely restaurant on the beach called OSTRIA. They had wonderful fresh fish and the most fantastic dolmades (made with zucchini flowers) that we ate in Crete. There's also a wonderful beach front restaurant, The Greek Kafenion, at the St. Nicolas Bay Hotel in Agios Nikolau. The prices were very reasonable considering how delicious everything was, and considering how beautiful the restaurant is. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:28:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/622332#4829676