Turkish Home-Cooking with an International Twist in an Istanbul Apartment - Day Trip

Gülsen grew up in Izmir where she studied to be a computer engineer. She later moved to the United States to work and stayed on there for 11 years. During her time in America, she missed the tastes of home and decided to teach herself to cook. Now that she's back home in Turkey, Gülsen prepares traditional Turkish dishes with an international twist. She is learning to perfect the classics of Turkish cuisine by collaborating with her neighbor, Sema, who is a highly-skilled, expert home cook. You will get to taste a few of Sema's specialties, too! Gülsen is a bubbly, passionate host who is excited to share her culinary heritage, as well as a few tips, with guests. When they are available, her sister and brother-in-law might also join you. They also lived in the U.S. for many years and love the opportunity to share their culture with travelers. Gülsen will make you feel right at home in her modern, tastefully-decorated apartment. Like many Turkish cooks, Gülsen prepares vegetable-focused meals with minimal meat. Rather than being the focus of the meal, meat is used sparingly to bring flavor to the dishes. She and her neighbor might prepare a variety of dolma (stuffed vegetables, be they grape leaves, peppers or tomatoes), white or brown rice (pilav), a carrot meze, zucchini fritters, çerkez tavuk (Circassian chicken, a meze of shredded, mashed chicken mixed with yogurt and chopped walnuts), babaganoush (roasted, mashed eggplant), Sema's perfectly balanced fava bean paste, and a fresh green salad. Your meal will start with a soup and end with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea and something sweet.
Please note if you have allergies, Gülsen does have two cats in her home.