Rouge (Istanbul, Turkey)

After having read this article in the New York Times just before heading to Turkey, I was determined to try out one of the wine bars in Istanbul. While waiting for my travel partner one afternoon close to the large Taksim square, I headed to Rouge to check it out. As lovely as the place looked, as equally lovely was the service. Chatting with the waiter about the city, its people and its products, he offered me a glass to sample while perusing their menu.

Our meze-style dinner later that day consisted of small plates with Turkish cheeses, eggplant rolls, shrimp with a range of delicious sauces, sweet pies for dessert and more, all accompanied of course with, unknown to me before then, delicious Turkish wines. All in all it was a delightful evening, enjoying beautifully presented modern versions of traditional Mediterranean cuisine, surprisingly good wines (personally recommended to go with your meal by knowledgeable staff) and a relaxing atmosphere.

Rouge also includes a store downstairs to bring some bottles home as well as, as the friendly waiter told me, live jazz music once a week at their restaurant.