Owned by Chef Deniz Temel Alaf is a "nomad's Restaurant," the Food of a Turkish man trained home and abroad taking on diverse influences that may see one plate offering Truffles while the next wraps Heart, Lung and more in Lamb Intestines before grilling it near-black.
Derived from the word Asaf, roughly translated as "burning amber fire," it is in Beşiktaş that guests ascend to a second floor for dinner featuring views of the Bosporus and friendly service at a cost that far outpaces Michelin Bib Gourmand status.
Working in American hotels before stage at D.O.M. and noma, all of it visible in Canapes ranging from a Sumac "Taco" to savory Cones suggesting The French Laundry, warm Bread finds itself offered alongside smoked Goat's Butter while Cocktails utilize Herbs to maximize complexity.
Focused on highlighting Anatolian Cuisine, dried Lamb atop unleavened Bread with Red Pepper Sorbet preceding Mushrooms in three textures, fans of Tartare should not miss Temel's raw Lamb lent crunch from Wheat atop warm Fry Bread.
Cleansing the palate with Sorbet, Dumplings filled with Lamb and Pide topped in funky Cheese with Jam both impressive, more adventurous diners should focus on esoteric choices such as Camel Meat served with accouterments made from its Fat.
Not forgetting Kokorec, the aforementioned charred Offal unlike anything tasted prior, Dessert also warrants attention whether the Chocolate-stuffed Pepper, non-traditional sweetened Pumpkin or deconstructed Baklava. read more