A La Turka Has the Goods (From the Raving Dish)

Snuggling deeper into a plush cushion with my legs splayed alongside me, I took a sip of sweet Turkish white wine, scooped up another bite of tender eggplant and thought, "Now, this is why I love this city." A low-rise table covered in Turkish goodies, some chilled wine and the ability to eat while practically laying down: You just can't find that in any old town.

It was around 3:30 p.m. and time for a break from work (which sometimes necessitates a small glass of wine). I told producer/dining guinea-pig Chezne that we'd walk until I saw a restaurant I've never eaten at. No matter what, that's where we stop. She threw on her scarf immediately, delighted for an adventure (especially one that involved liquor).

Topkapi: Turkish Sweets in Full Force

After finishing up a delightful, zipper-busting meal at Topkapi, a funky, deserted Turkish restaurant on Peterson, I had to go a bit overboard and order yet another dessert.  I tried to deny it, but the moist little sponge cakes were screaming my name.  They'd been soaked in some sort of rose water and honey mixture (I could be way off, but that's what I'm guessing) and were all light and fluffy.  Of course, I don't know the name of them, but with a bit of Turkish tea (once again loaded with sugar cubes)...watch out.  I tried to share, but it was full shove-down material.  My belly was in an uproar over it all night long, though....paybacks are hell, yeah?  By the way, it's real cute how I convince myself that I'm eating three tiny, adorable cakes when in reality, it's a full half-pound of straight sugary madness.  C'mon, mst....get real little girl.  Stop the sugar addiction already~