Odd angle

Expect the unexpected! This can be the new catchphrase of Istanbul these days. Every other day we hear of a new place opening in an unusual corner of the city; there seems to be more and more facets of this ever-changing town to explore. 

As the construction boom goes on ruthlessly, the skyline of Istanbul changes almost constantly. There seems to be a new angle to view the city every other day. Some neighborhoods are dramatically changing; Haliç, aka the Golden Horn, is one of them. 

The change in the gastronomic scene is nothing short of unexpected surprises. Every other day another international celebrity chef visits Istanbul; some to explore the local cuisine, some to open up a new branch of their own restaurants and some as guest chefs to cook and perform their own culinary masterpieces to a small group of lucky people. Recently, there was such an event in an odd corner of Istanbul, on the shores of the Golden Horn, at the newly opened Mövenpick Golden Horn Hotel. Renowned Swiss chefs Robert Speth and Wolfgang Weissert produced an unforgettable Swiss menu savored at the Pruva Swiss Grill Restaurant. It was a silent occasion, not promoted loudly in the press, but it needs a mention here as the level of satisfaction exceeded expectations. Thanks to the guest chefs, every single morsel was meticulously prepared to perfection. 

The transformation of the Haliç area is fast and vast. Chatting with a group of expats on the 10th floor terrace, we were amazed by the colors created by the glittering windows of Istanbul's silhouette at the sunset hour and astonished to see Istanbul from a very different angle we had never used to see previously.

The days when one could not even stand the stench of the Golden Horn were like remote history...