"Letter From Carol" started as another way of communication. I knew that nourishment comes in many forms so I couldn't stop with food. I also wanted to share my thoughts, ideas and observations. I thought it was important for you to know who was cooking their meal. Besides, I couldn't resist a captive audience. My only regret that I can't feed you as you read.
Our culinary journey last fall was truly the ultimate adventure. Istanbul, Cairo, Athens…just the sounds of these cities brings to mind the cradles of civilization and the ancient wonders of the world.
Our first stop…Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest cities where Europe meets Asia. Once called Byzantine, then Constantinople, this city has been the crossroads of civilization. The domes and minarets of the skyline and the eerie wail of the call to prayer echoing across the city, left no doubt that we were in an exotic country. With our guide, Emre, we visited the Basilica Cistern, built by Constantine in the 4th century as the water reservoir for the Imperial Palace. We walked to the Haghia Sophia, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Finished in 537, it was the first domed basilica in the world. In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and the basilica was converted into a mosque. In 1935, it was converted again…this time into a museum. Our next stop was the opulent Topkopi Palace, the center of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years. On display were the extravagant relics and jewels from centuries of the empire at its zenith.
We were happy to learn that, like ourselves, the Turks love to eat! Mezze, the Persian word for pleasant, enjoyable taste, began most of our meals. These simple little dishes might include, salads, yogurt, hot pita bread, olives, meatballs, goat cheese, and roasted vegetables. The meals continued with kebobs, grilled chicken or fish, and more vegetables. And for dessert, baklava.
Our visit to the Grand Bazaar was fascinating, filled with antiques and curio shops. But, as cooks, the Spice Market was our favorite! Filled with a kaleidoscope of color and aromas, the mounds of saffron, sumac, chilies and tomato paste to name a few, were a feast for the eyes as well as the nose!
The following day, we continued our tour with a visit to Rustam Pashe Mosque where we viewed the finest of Iznik tiles ever produced, with its riot of floral and geometric designs. The Dolmabahce Palace, on the Shores of the Bosphorous River, was built in the 19th century and was part of the westernization of Turkey. It houses the largest crystal chandelier in the world. On our private boat, we cruised along the Bosphorous witnessing the lavish waterfront palaces and hotels. Gazing to the left was Europe, to the right, Asia! Three days later, as we sailed away on our cruise ship, the Crystal Serenity, we had only one regret…not enough time in enchanting Istanbul!
The first port of call was Kusadasi, where we were guided through Ephesus, the best perserved classic city in the Eastern Mediterranean. There is archeological evidence that the root of the city dates back to 6000 BC. Our first cooking class was at a family-owned and operated country restaurant – Hanuveci. The outdoor dining table groaned under the weight of the huge platters of food.
The following day we docked at the Greek Island of Rhodes. After exploring the island, our day concluded with an exceptional private dinner in the Vintage Room featuring fantastic wine and food. After a relaxing day at sea we entered the port of Alexandria. As I peered out of my stateroom, I could hardly believe I was in Eygpt! We boarded our private coach and headed for Cairo. Of course, the main attraction was the Pyramids. Built on a desert plateau, and overlooking the city of Cairo, the pyramids are the only remaining wonder of the ancient world. Built as mausoleums of Pharaohs, to help their souls on the path to heaven, they were completed around 2600 BC. Some of us (myself included) were brave enough to ride a camel! (a great photo opportunity!) The Spinx was carved from a single piece of limestone. It was buried by sand several times and Napoleon’s army shot off its nose!
We visited the Egyptian Museum and had access to the Royal Mummy Room! Before boarding our coach, we were able to purchase “genuine fake” designer watches! Lunch was at a lovely restaurant overlooking the pyramids…could the view be any better?! We ended the day with high tea at the Four Seasons Hotel… a lovely modern conclusion to a day filled with antiquities.
The following day we toured Alexandria, Egypt’s second largest city and its major seaport. After taking in the major sites including Pompei’s Pillar and the Mameluke Fortress, we returned to our ship and set sail for the Greek Island, Santorini, the most extraordinary island in the Aegean Sea. The view from the ship as we sailed into its cliff-ringed bay was unforgettable. Sheer multi-colored cliffs layered with reddish brown, white and greenish gray volcanic rock encircled a huge sea-filled caldera (crater). The white washed buildings atop high cliff towns can be reached by donkey, cable car, or 600 steps from the harbor (here I opted for the cable car). Tiny blue-domed churches and shops with blue shutters and doors are at every corner. We purchased bags of sesame-coated peanuts and pistachios. This island is truly a slice of paradise!
Our last stop was Athens, one of the cradles of civilization. One only has to lift his eyes 200 feet above the city to see the Parthenon, with its honey colored marble columns rising from massive limestone vases. We walked to the Acropolis on marble made slick by centuries of use. Such a well-known site, I wondered if it would be as beautiful as all the photographs…I was not disappointed! Our second cooking class took place in a nearby hotel very close to the Plaka, the famous Greek market that seems to go on forever! With a view of the Acropolis, we lunched on an incredible array of mezze, moussaka, salad, galaktoboureko and Greek wine, a perfect ending to our Greek Odessey. Heading to the airport we all agreed that this was an adventure we would never forget!
As always,
Carol
Note: See “A Culinary Journey to the Temple of the Gods and Pharoahs” class on July 21st and 22nd and join Carol, Laura and Kay as they prepare a meal that reflects their culinary journey! Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm!
Summer 2008
Dear Friends,Our culinary journey last fall was truly the ultimate adventure. Istanbul, Cairo, Athens…just the sounds of these cities brings to mind the cradles of civilization and the ancient wonders of the world.
Our first stop…Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest cities where Europe meets Asia. Once called Byzantine, then Constantinople, this city has been the crossroads of civilization. The domes and minarets of the skyline and the eerie wail of the call to prayer echoing across the city, left no doubt that we were in an exotic country. With our guide, Emre, we visited the Basilica Cistern, built by Constantine in the 4th century as the water reservoir for the Imperial Palace. We walked to the Haghia Sophia, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Finished in 537, it was the first domed basilica in the world. In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and the basilica was converted into a mosque. In 1935, it was converted again…this time into a museum. Our next stop was the opulent Topkopi Palace, the center of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years. On display were the extravagant relics and jewels from centuries of the empire at its zenith.
We were happy to learn that, like ourselves, the Turks love to eat! Mezze, the Persian word for pleasant, enjoyable taste, began most of our meals. These simple little dishes might include, salads, yogurt, hot pita bread, olives, meatballs, goat cheese, and roasted vegetables. The meals continued with kebobs, grilled chicken or fish, and more vegetables. And for dessert, baklava.
Our visit to the Grand Bazaar was fascinating, filled with antiques and curio shops. But, as cooks, the Spice Market was our favorite! Filled with a kaleidoscope of color and aromas, the mounds of saffron, sumac, chilies and tomato paste to name a few, were a feast for the eyes as well as the nose!
The following day, we continued our tour with a visit to Rustam Pashe Mosque where we viewed the finest of Iznik tiles ever produced, with its riot of floral and geometric designs. The Dolmabahce Palace, on the Shores of the Bosphorous River, was built in the 19th century and was part of the westernization of Turkey. It houses the largest crystal chandelier in the world. On our private boat, we cruised along the Bosphorous witnessing the lavish waterfront palaces and hotels. Gazing to the left was Europe, to the right, Asia! Three days later, as we sailed away on our cruise ship, the Crystal Serenity, we had only one regret…not enough time in enchanting Istanbul!
The first port of call was Kusadasi, where we were guided through Ephesus, the best perserved classic city in the Eastern Mediterranean. There is archeological evidence that the root of the city dates back to 6000 BC. Our first cooking class was at a family-owned and operated country restaurant – Hanuveci. The outdoor dining table groaned under the weight of the huge platters of food.
The following day we docked at the Greek Island of Rhodes. After exploring the island, our day concluded with an exceptional private dinner in the Vintage Room featuring fantastic wine and food. After a relaxing day at sea we entered the port of Alexandria. As I peered out of my stateroom, I could hardly believe I was in Eygpt! We boarded our private coach and headed for Cairo. Of course, the main attraction was the Pyramids. Built on a desert plateau, and overlooking the city of Cairo, the pyramids are the only remaining wonder of the ancient world. Built as mausoleums of Pharaohs, to help their souls on the path to heaven, they were completed around 2600 BC. Some of us (myself included) were brave enough to ride a camel! (a great photo opportunity!) The Spinx was carved from a single piece of limestone. It was buried by sand several times and Napoleon’s army shot off its nose!
We visited the Egyptian Museum and had access to the Royal Mummy Room! Before boarding our coach, we were able to purchase “genuine fake” designer watches! Lunch was at a lovely restaurant overlooking the pyramids…could the view be any better?! We ended the day with high tea at the Four Seasons Hotel… a lovely modern conclusion to a day filled with antiquities.
The following day we toured Alexandria, Egypt’s second largest city and its major seaport. After taking in the major sites including Pompei’s Pillar and the Mameluke Fortress, we returned to our ship and set sail for the Greek Island, Santorini, the most extraordinary island in the Aegean Sea. The view from the ship as we sailed into its cliff-ringed bay was unforgettable. Sheer multi-colored cliffs layered with reddish brown, white and greenish gray volcanic rock encircled a huge sea-filled caldera (crater). The white washed buildings atop high cliff towns can be reached by donkey, cable car, or 600 steps from the harbor (here I opted for the cable car). Tiny blue-domed churches and shops with blue shutters and doors are at every corner. We purchased bags of sesame-coated peanuts and pistachios. This island is truly a slice of paradise!
Our last stop was Athens, one of the cradles of civilization. One only has to lift his eyes 200 feet above the city to see the Parthenon, with its honey colored marble columns rising from massive limestone vases. We walked to the Acropolis on marble made slick by centuries of use. Such a well-known site, I wondered if it would be as beautiful as all the photographs…I was not disappointed! Our second cooking class took place in a nearby hotel very close to the Plaka, the famous Greek market that seems to go on forever! With a view of the Acropolis, we lunched on an incredible array of mezze, moussaka, salad, galaktoboureko and Greek wine, a perfect ending to our Greek Odessey. Heading to the airport we all agreed that this was an adventure we would never forget!
As always,
Carol
Note: See “A Culinary Journey to the Temple of the Gods and Pharoahs” class on July 21st and 22nd and join Carol, Laura and Kay as they prepare a meal that reflects their culinary journey! Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm!
