Dear Steemit friends :
In today's edition of Miss. Delicious, we'll be going back to the capital of the ancient Roman/Byzantine empire, then known as Constantinople, today known as Istanbul and dining at one of the most popular restaurants of the old city.
The old city, Sultanahmet, is the main hallmark of the many historically significant landmarks in Istanbul, for instance, the Blue Mosque and the Sophia Hagia. Many of these historical gems are located in or around the Sultanahmet Square which has become a very popular tourist spot to see the two famous mosques as well as other notable places such as the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace, all walking distance from the square.
Of all the places that I could have chosen to stay at in Istanbul, Sultanahmet was my top choice. Living in the old city gives you an incredible sense of immersion in the Turkish culture, whether it's walking on the pebble stones along the square laid by the Ottomans from centuries ago, or hearing the piercing echos from the ezan summons for prayers at the mosques. It is an experience that wildly differs from any other city I have visited. So unique, and yet so authentic. The perfect place to observe, learn and absorb the multi-layered culture here.
The Accommodation
It's not uncommon to come across hotels which aside from their residence are also well known for their food. Seven Hills Hotel & Restaurant is typical in that regard and yet what is atypical of Seven Hills compared to those other restaurants, is their roof top terrace restaurant sporting some of the very best views of both the Sultanahmet peninsula, as well as the city skyline across the Bosphorus Strait.
Arriving in the afternoon, we were pleasantly welcomed with a glass of çay (Turkish Tea) and was eager to go up to the terrace / rooftop for the view(s).
And here it is, the view across to Anatolia, the Asian side of Turkey. The Bosphorus strait is actually the world's narrowest strait used for international navigation. It's interesting seeing the sky scrapers and high rise buildings dominate the skyline. Though Istanbul has abundant history, the remnants of it's past can now only been found in patches throughout the modern metropolis. Mostly tucked away between the soaring high rise buildings.
The Lobby
I really like the open space of the lobby. The red carpet leads you to the reception, whilst the traditional table and chairs are placed beside very big and open windows with no frame. Presumably for maximum air flow.
Jewellery Store inside the lobby
The Reception
The Lifts and stairs
I suspect to make as much space as possible, the size of the lift has been reduced. It's so small in fact, that probably only 3 people could fit in it. Take luggage with you and then it's only large enough for 2 people.
The Room
I was very pleased when I walked into my room, not only is it very spacious, it exudes so much Turkish character. From the bedding, to the chandelier, the paintings on the wall, to the wooden furniture. All make you feel like a Turkish Royal, living in a palace guest room!
The handmade rugs were a nice extra touch, there is a certain quality to them which you can only tell by touching them. They are thick, and yet soft to the touch. The patterning on them are also very detailed.
The Bathroom
Turkish influenced design can be found everywhere. From the rugs, to the ceiling, from the paintings on the walls, to the bathroom tiles and toiletries. Here they are up close for your viewing pleasure!
Exterior of the Hotel
The hotel is very distinctive not only because it is a dark wooden colour, but also because of it's unique architectural style. On the upper levels, you can see cascading ledges surrounded by metal railings for people to walk around. At the very top, there is a 360 degree view of the Sultanahmet area, and this is principally the reason most people come to this restaurant.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Also known as the Blue Mosque. Together with the Hagia Sophia, it stands distinct in the background with it's minarets and multi-layered domes.
Because of it's vantage point, the restaurant is very popular amongst people looking for good photos of the area. As a result, the restaurant is probably more popular than the hotel itself.
The Restaurant and the Menu
The restaurant is split up into two floors, the rooftop is really where all the excitement is. As you can see, we are extremely close to the Blue Mosque, as well as the Hagia Sophia. At night time, they are illuminated with strategically placed lights to bring out the various shades of blue and red reflected off the mosques tiles.
This is a selection of the seafood catches of the day. I love how it's decorated with such vibrant colours, the green lettuce, orange lobsters, rainbow coloured kebabs.
The waiters were very dashing and friendly too.
The Hagia Sophia
The Blue Mosque
Eggplant Yogurt
Turkish Mezes to start us off. This had a roasted taste to it which was unexpected but very welcomed. For those who haven't tried it before, it tastes a little "gooey".
Haydari
From what I have observed, this seems to be the swiss army knife of dips. Made with garlic, mint and yogurt, it tastes a bit "tangy" but goes with basically everything.
Roasted tomato, lime and fish Kebab
So simple, and yet so delicious. The hint of seasoning goes a long way combined with the roasted taste of the fish. I loved how the outside texture was a bit crispy whilst the meat inside was tender, and soft.
Prawn Rocket Salad
Cocktails
Squid rings
Fish platter!
Not sure what kind of fish it is, but if you plan on visiting this restaurant, you have the option of choosing the fish by pointing your fingers, and that's what I did! Presentation goes a long way when it comes to food, and I must say, I really appreciate the colourful arrangement of the platter, even if the fish is itself the main thing to eat.
Succulent fish with a tad of lemon, dipped in the sweet and sour sauces make it absolutely sublime.
At night time, the thousands of lights in the distance illuminate the city. It's the perfect place for night views of the city. Below, we have the Four Seasons Hotel. It's considered quite a posh hotel and is distinctive because of it's yellow colour theme.
The same picture during day time.
Please check out the video tour of Seven Hills!
The Seven Hills Hotel & Restaurant is a mid tier establishment which punches far above it's own weight. Most people forget that it serves terrific food, and some of the freshest seafood around, as well as providing lodging fit for Turkish royals. All because the restaurant views are spectacular. Of course, we cannot deny that seeing the historical landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque from such a height, is a good reason to visit, and so, you would be forgiven if a photo shooting session was your true desire. Just know, that the food is authentic, traditional, very reasonably priced, and very delicious.
All round, an excellent choice for food, and/or a place to stay.
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来到伊斯坦布尔这样地域风采和民俗特色极其与众不同的地方，我最大的心愿当然是可以居住在老城里，古建筑旁，体会这里传统风俗文化的气息。在我精心挑选一番之后，我选择了位于伊斯坦布尔老城区的七山酒店。它的地理位置极其优越，被一系列重量级景点紧紧包围，最吸引我的是酒店屋顶的360度全景天台，在那里，托普卡帕宫、圣索非亚大教堂和蓝色清真寺都触手可及，这样难得的独特视角，尽在接下来我们要一起探索的酒店里。
七山酒店位于苏丹阿赫迈特老城区, 这里最大的特色就是那星罗棋布的清真寺建筑，这些建筑所渲染的肃穆，朴实的环境，和我平时生活的城市有着极大反差，那丛林之上耸立着的一根根尖塔，稳稳的直插云霄，让我充满了新鲜感和对于未知空间的好奇。所以我一下子就爱上了这个神秘又神圣，似乎每一寸土地都能净化心灵的城区。这家酒店周边的环境，充满了古朴，历史凝重的气氛。除了被伊斯坦布尔的三大历史建筑包围，它距离马尔马拉海也只有300米的距离。随着酒店迎客的土耳其红茶上桌，我们在这家酒店的旅程也随之开始。酒店大堂的布置，充满了土耳其民俗特色，椅背上的土耳其古典花纹，地上，墙上的土耳其宫廷地毯，还有那被装裱起来隆重的艺术画作，让人能在等候入住的空隙，细细品味土耳其的文化和艺术。
酒店房间的装饰大方而典雅，每一处都细心的加入了当地的传统民俗风格，让旅客完全不会有旅行途中一觉醒来的空间错乱感。放下行李，我就迫不及待的爬上露台，想要亲眼看看这传说中景致宜人的360度观景餐厅。那高耸入云尖塔好像和我一样高，俯视古建筑四周密密麻麻的绿色植被，还有不远处湛蓝的海水，一时间又观海又观景，有些忙不过来了。午后的阳光散在清真寺和教堂精致华丽的屋顶上，闪闪发光，旁边的海水也是波光粼粼，还不时吹来徐徐海风，让人心情大悦。这样独道的俯视视角，我想在任何一个观光景点都很难看到，而唯独这家酒店坐拥了优良的自然环境和人文景观，有着绝佳的位置优势。这家七山露台餐厅，一共分两层，提供了酒店的早，中和晚餐，在午后阳光火辣的时刻，客人们可以选择在楼下的室内部分用餐，而早上和夜晚，坐在露台上享受自然光是最好不过的选择了。
晚餐的时间，我选择了来到露台，享受美味佳肴，和古老建筑举杯对饮。这家餐厅主打海鲜，热情的服务员捧着一大盘新鲜打捞上的海鲜来到餐桌旁，每个海鲜身上还带着大红花，我们就像秀才选妻，各自选择今晚想吃的主菜海鲜，他们一一为我们介绍了每个鱼的品种，适合的吃法，以及肉质和口感的特点，还不忘调皮的在相机前抢镜头自拍。首先上来的是土耳其特制的土豆泥，看着非常有食欲，拿勺子舀一块，吃起来滑滑的，特别顺口。接下来是土耳其经典的开胃菜，入口即化的酸奶。大块的烤鸡肉串，香飘十里，还有鲜嫩的虾肉，口感爽滑。炸鱿鱼圈有着鲜亮的色泽，香味扑鼻。
接下来隆重登场的大家伙，就是刚才点的海鲜拼盘了，鱼肉都经过细致的烹饪，和腌制处理，制作精良的上桌了，配上各种特制的酱料，确实是极品的风味，清新自然的口感，还带点甜味，让我爱不释手。身旁的古建筑闪烁着夜灯，夜晚的老城显出一天喧闹过后的悠闲，在静谧的夜幕下，听着海浪，吃着海鲜，恰逢穆斯林祈祷时辰，耳边顿时回荡着宣礼塔上发出悠扬的祈祷声，感染了每个人，那一刻世界很宁静，心灵很清澈。希望你们喜欢今天的伊斯坦布尔老城区酒店美食之旅，之后还有更多有趣的旅游故事等着和大家分享。