Kalkan Turkey Forum - EnjoyKalkan.com
Kalkan Discussion => Holiday Reports and Reviews => Topic started by: KalkanWilkie on June 09, 2012, 03:28:06 PM
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We're back from our 6th visit to Kalkan and though we often look at the forum, this is our first post. The town and most restaurants were very quiet for the 2 weeks we were there but we usually go later in the year (July or October) so it may be normal for end of May. Evenings were chilly until the last few days which may have affected some rooftop restaurants. We re-visited some old favourites and tried to fit in as many new ones as time and expanding waistlines allowed.
Those we returned to this time were :
Salt & Pepper - we always have our first and last meals here as it's home from home - lovely staff, good food and a wonderful place to sit and let the world go by looking out at the bay..
Kalamaki - another regular. Best dessert of the holiday was Kalamaki dream (poached pear set out so beautifully it was a shame to eat it).
Gourmet - reliably good and walnut kuzu was even better this year.
Mussaka - we've been going since they started and their food is superb. A slight criticism as our table for 2 was butted up to the next one with only a thin serving table in between - in effect sharing a table with people we didn't know (they were very nice but that's not really the point). Plus points for the mint lemonade which is the best we've found.
Trio - lovely meal and good service - joint favourite this time. We tried chicken livers to start as they were recommended - not something we'd have thought to choose but very tasty.
Dionysia - the roof terrace has one of the best views in Kalkan. It was very breezy this time but we were wrapped in pashminas and enjoyed our meal despite the temperature. A special mention for Kate's home made Baileys cheesecake which always goes down well.
New ones this time :
Escudo - lived up to the reviews and was joint favourite this holiday. They're obviously trying very hard and were lovely, if slightly too attentive with the water, which can be a Kalkan hazard sometimes (in the nicest possible way). Definitely one to return to.
Sade - again lovely people and service. We had a balcony for 2 which was snug in both senses of the word. Another one to return to.
Chapter One - we were the only people in. This place could be easily overlooked but we think it's well worth a visit and will go back. The complimentary appetiser was a nice change being vine leaves with bread and a selection of dips including an old Ottoman recipe we've not tried before but will definitely have again. Dessert came with Turkish mastic ice-cream which was a nice touch - a shame more places don’t serve it.
Alternatif - very friendly staff and food was nice though not enough to make us want to rush back. By far the biggest servings - neither of us could eat it all.
Rami's - we were the only people in here until very late when 2 more came in. Enjoyed the meatballs, not just because it was very cold and the plate came to the table on fire and burned for some time, warming us up inside and out.
Ibo's Terrace - quiet again but very welcoming and reasonable - the cheapest evening we had.
Coast - a major disappointment. Service was good but the food was ordinary and portions small (and we're not particularly big eaters).
Akin - we had lunch here which was OK but the mint lemonade resembled dishwater in taste and appearance.
Like so many others, Kalkan is the only place we return to and is by far the most relaxing, welcoming place we've ever found. We're already planning our next fix and in the meantime can look back on another lovely holiday and forward to the next one.
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wow, that sure is a long list of restaurants! :)
i visited in late april-early may and liked that it was not busy at all- in fact we noticed a few restaurants getting ready to re-open during that time. i found it quite chilly then, so it's interesting to hear you note that now.
thanks for the appetizing review ;D
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Hi Kalkanwilkie, thanks for your report. Sounds like you have had some yummy food. We must definitely try escudo and Sade in July. :)
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Welcome to the forum KalkanWilkie. It was great to hear your report, always good to hear different people's views of the various restaurants etc. Escudo really is a must-try place by the sound of so many reports. Hope it won't be booked up for every evening by the time we get there.
Good, too, to hear that like to so many of us you have found Kalkan keeps drawing people back for repeat holidays in a way that possibly very few other places do.
I hope you will now continue to contribute to the forum. After six visits you must have knowledge to share with us, particularly those contemplating their first visit to Kalkan and wondering whether it will live up to their expectations and what to expect when they arrive.
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I totally agree Tortoise Lady - people who have experience and love of Kalkan can be a great asset to the forum. Love to hear those reports, keep 'em coming all! 8)