SAF Raw Food Organic Bistro and Martini Bar
Asmalı Mescit Mah (Tünel)
Ensiz Sok 1/A

Vegan, 75% of menu items are "raw food", no dairy, no wheat, no sugar, but still the best food I've ever had.

Oh, and the cocktails. Oh, the cocktails... I recommend the Apricot Ginger Martini and the Lychee Rose Martini. Mojito Rosa was a close runnerup.

I'll post more at length about this fabulous new place. At the moment I'm still dazed and starry-eyed from my gastronomical overindulgence last night (to be fair, they knew I was writing a review and wanted me to try EVERYTHING on the menu). Though they literally had to forcefeed me the "Raw Cacao Marble Torte in druken berry gelato with berry coulis balsamic" (with coconut sorbet) I'm glad they did. My menu faves: Thai Summer Rolls, Vegetable Maki Rolls, Beet Ravioli and Courgette and Truffle Alfredo.

Afiyet olsun, pollyanna.

Can you give a rough cost per person? Thank you!

banana, you must be well up for this?

Ohhhh - martinis! I'll definitely have to check this place out!

this place definately looks worth checking out
since i have been struck by YET ANOTHER sinus infection... oh i think i am going to dieeeeeee
need some vegan healing... bc at this point i feel so crap that i am considering the workmates' suggestions on a big healthy steak!
hhaha
but .. why the martini bar with the raw food? not that i have issues with health food and booze.. but its just a big of a strange combo, no?

I went ahead and called them. If anyone is interested, a 3-course meal with a bottle of wine is approximately 50-70 YTL per person.

fcuking hippies.

Thought it was more LA than hippy-like. Can you smoke there?

I just read that bit, and had to hit the back button on my browser before my balls retracted, and permanently disappeared.

[quote user="charly" post="78258"]Thought it was more LA than hippy-like. Can you smoke there?[/quote]

no smoking

this is a HEALTH concept

[quote user="banana" post="78188"]why the martini bar with the raw food? not that i have issues with health food and booze.. but its just a big of a strange combo, no?[/quote]

if people are going to drink, then they can do it much more healthily. Using natural, organic ingreds (no fructose syrup,etc) makes a big difference. they also encourage patrons to drink a glass of water with each drink to help metabolize. At one of their media receptions I put away so much more alcohol than i would normally drink, but felt nothing the next day.

that "if they're going to do it anyway" theory does not apply to cigarettes because cigarette smoke pollutes the air and poisons those who dont choose to smoke

SAF Valentines Day Menu 2007; Tunel, Istanbul
*Menu based on emphasis of aphrodisiac ingredients*
(Note: changes may apply with availability)

Aperitif:

Seni Seviyorum
Dried Strawberry Infused Vodka, Homemade Rose Syrup, Lime, Cherry and Vanilla Bean Ice

Chocolate Kiss (Non-alcoholic)
Pressed Sugar Cane Juice, Homemade Non-Alcoholic Framboise, Fresh Raspberries, Chocolate Almond Milk, Raspberry-Cocoa Rim

Amuse Bouche

Evolved Caprese:
Micro-rocket, Tarragon Crusted Macadamia Chevre Cheese, Semi Dried Tomato, Smoked Rock Salts, Garlic-Olive Butter

Graffigna Malbec 2004, Tulum Valley, Argentina

Caramelized Beet Salad
Young Mizuna, Twelve Hour Roasted Beet Cous Cous, Baby Leeks, Pinenut Parmesan,
Dill and Chile Oils

Sevilen “R” Rose, 2005, Izmir, Turkey

Pasta Trio
Red Ravioli, Herbed Ricotta, Shaved Black Truffle and Aged Balsamic
Bleeding Heart Ravioli, Pistachio Crème, Garlic Chips and Pumpkin Oil
Lasagna Terrine with Wild Mushroom, Smoked Tomato and Topenade

Southern Right Pinotage 2002, Western Cape, South Africa

Roses and Sorbet
Tempura Rose Petals with Fig Marmalade, Honey Comb, Pineapple Rose Sorbet
and Candied Puffed Quinoa

Lovers Roulade
Cocao brownie, Vanilla Bean Gelato, Drunken Fruit Granite, Rum Poached Bananas
and Cocao Tuiles

Artemis Kup Sour Cherry Dessert Wine, NV, Turkey

Assorted Chocolates
White Chocolate Tears; Tuxedo Dipped Berries; Bitter Chocolate Brittle


Date: Valentines Day, February, 14th 2007

What: Set multi course evening meal, with optional organic wine pairing

Time: we will offer 2 seatings – first at 7:00 pm; second seating at 9:30 pm

Cost structure: set menu with beverage = 90 YTL per person or 160 YTL per couple;

or with aperitif, set menu and wine pairing option 135 YTL per person or 250 YTL per couple

RSVP: vouchers can be purchased in advance from SAF (will be available soon); limited 42 seats per seating. Must make reservations in advance

yum.

Emma took her brother there yesterday for lunch - both of them said the place was fantastic even neither are veggies. Apparently the cocktail menu is rockin' too.

[quote user="pollyanna" post="78088"] At the moment I'm still dazed and starman-eyed [/quote]

Looked under wikipedia but couldnt find a reference. What does it mean?

Great concept, alcohol as part of a health drive. Must try it.