Westchester's Turkish Delight?

There is a new Turkish specialty store in Westchester and I couldn't be more excited! As I alluded to in my last post, I recently took a trip abroad-my husband and I took a delayed honeymoon to, you guessed it, Turkey! We started our trip in the region of Cappadocia, located in central Anatolia on the Asian continent before spending a few days in Istanbul.  The landscape of Cappadocia is like nothing else we have ever seen (unless you count the planet Tatooine).  As a result of volcanic eruptions and years of erosion, it is covered with "fairy chimneys"--conical formations-- and caves.  For long periods of time these caves served as churches and homes for the regions residents, now most of the habitable caves have been turned into luxury resorts.  We stayed at a cave hotel that used to be a monastery.  For those skeptical about staying in a cave, the room was fully equipped with electricity and plumbing, including a spa tub, television, and wi-fi.  We may be able to tell people for years to come that we stayed in a cave, but we certainly didn't slum it!


Here are a few pictures of Cappadocia:

While we were in Urgup, a pretty big town in Cappadocia with lots of restaurants and shops, we stepped into a bakery for some amazing baklava.  The store owner suggested we try a hot beverage (did I mention it was about 30-35 degree Fahrenheit there?).  What a treat it turned out to be!!! Made from orchid roots, the drink is called sahlep and tastes kind of like liquid rice pudding. With some cinnamon on top its a truly delicious warm treat.  I was kind of sad to think that when I returned home I wouldn't be able to have any sahlep again.  But now I don't have to worry.  Turkish Meze in Mamaroneck is planning to open up a shop selling Turkish gourmet goods, and based on some promotional advertising it looks like I will be able to pick up some sahlep mix! I think I'll try the restaurant out too.  Look for my review coming soon.