New concept bar: Yan Gastrobar in Cihangir
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Hurriyet Daily News
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Aralık 27, 2008 00:00
ISTANBUL - Yan Restaurant opened its doors a year ago in Istanbul’s Cihangir with the idea of presenting the city with something new and in this case a gastrobar that is probably the first one in the city although the idea is widespread abroad.
How would you define a "gastrobar?" One very short answer is "a pub with food." Not bad. How about the answer that you would get at an Istanbul gastrobar: A space that unites good food and good service in a local bar that has an attractive warm atmosphere. And that is how the people at Yan Gastrobar define "gastrobar."
A short but sweet name that means "side" in Turkish and one that is highly appropriate since the gastrobar is right next to one of the most popular nightclubs in Istanbul, the Roxy that has just celebrated its 15th birthday. You wouldn’t expect to find a nightclub and a restaurant on the small street that leads between a food market and the German Hospital down in Cihangir, but there it is Ğ Cihangir is becoming famous for its unexpected treasures.
The first one in the city
Yan Restaurant opened its doors a year ago with the idea of presenting Istanbul with something new and in this case a gastrobar that is probably the first one in the city although the idea is widespread abroad. Given its location next to the Roxy, it wasn’t long before people going there and other adventurous souls from Cihangir had discovered the restaurant. If nothing else, curiosity would get the better of you since it is what used to be a small house, possibly Greek or Armenian.
The restaurant is offering its customers an innovative menu for what remains of fall and winter seasons. Chef Alanur Erdogan has taken great pains in choosing dishes that are appealing and satisfying. More chicken and fish dishes appear on the menu than before along with salads that are Yan originals. Customers who prefer light meals have already shown that the grilled vegetables served with special sauces are a favorite. If you want to eat while you are drinking, "Bar Bites" may just hit the spot and there are many alternatives like croquettes, croquette with vegetables, spicy potatoes and crispy shrimp. There’s also a Late Bites menu for nights when the Roxy is open.
Atilla takes care of the gastrobar’s "bar" and you’re unlikely to forget his Satsuma cocktail (No, you’ll have to find out what’s in it yourself!). The rich drinks menu has great variety and you’re sure to see your favorite on it. You can also debate what 007’s usual drink was as you sample a Bond Style Martini. Prices are reasonable. Or be adventurous and try something totally different. The wine list is interesting because it has three times as many reds on it than whites. It must speak to Istanbulites’ preference for red wine. Prices seem pretty much in line with what the other restaurants charge. The range per bottle goes from YTL 40 to 85.
When you look at Yan from the outside, it is almost impossible to imagine that it has four floors. Last year two of the floors could be used for private parties but now the fourth floor is finished and will take parties of up to 60 people. There is a bar, barmen and waiters available for a private party. A cloakroom will handle your coats and umbrellas and even a private bathroom. The space can be rented allowing you to host your own party.
Actually every floor has been decorated with a different concept. The third floor for example is arranged so that the table you choose and the chairs are bathed in light; from the tablecloth to the glasses everything is designed to make you feel special. The food served there is from the palace with the only difference being that the royal family might not be there. The third floor is also an art gallery and most recently Orhan Cem Çetin’s photographs were on display.
That’s not the end of the special features found at Yan. The last week of every month is devoted to a special concept along with good food and good music. For example, one of the first evenings known as "Yan Nights" was Kitsch Night when DJ Kaan played funny, exciting songs from the 70s, the 60s and the 45s. The chef prepared a special menu that starred the kind of food your mother used to cook from appetizers to roast and mashed potatoes. To give you some idea of the cost, this special set menu including a glass of rakı came to only YTL 30.
In November, "Yan Nights" continued with a Spanish theme. A tapas food bar offered many choices and sangria accompanied the meal if you wanted it. The music was a surprise but suited the Spanish atmosphere.
Every Wednesday DJ Hayko plays 80s and 90s music and every Tuesday DJ Kaan beguiles funk music lovers offering them a chance to dance.
Prices include VAT but not service.
Yan Gastrobar
Hours: 18:00-01:00 Tuesday Ğ Thursday / 18:00-04:00 Friday - Saturday (Open during the holiday)
Adress: Siraselviler Cad. Aslanyatagi Sok.
No: 5, Taksim Tel: 0212 249 12 83
A short but sweet name that means "side" in Turkish and one that is highly appropriate since the gastrobar is right next to one of the most popular nightclubs in Istanbul, the Roxy that has just celebrated its 15th birthday. You wouldn’t expect to find a nightclub and a restaurant on the small street that leads between a food market and the German Hospital down in Cihangir, but there it is Ğ Cihangir is becoming famous for its unexpected treasures.
The first one in the city
Yan Restaurant opened its doors a year ago with the idea of presenting Istanbul with something new and in this case a gastrobar that is probably the first one in the city although the idea is widespread abroad. Given its location next to the Roxy, it wasn’t long before people going there and other adventurous souls from Cihangir had discovered the restaurant. If nothing else, curiosity would get the better of you since it is what used to be a small house, possibly Greek or Armenian.
The restaurant is offering its customers an innovative menu for what remains of fall and winter seasons. Chef Alanur Erdogan has taken great pains in choosing dishes that are appealing and satisfying. More chicken and fish dishes appear on the menu than before along with salads that are Yan originals. Customers who prefer light meals have already shown that the grilled vegetables served with special sauces are a favorite. If you want to eat while you are drinking, "Bar Bites" may just hit the spot and there are many alternatives like croquettes, croquette with vegetables, spicy potatoes and crispy shrimp. There’s also a Late Bites menu for nights when the Roxy is open.
Atilla takes care of the gastrobar’s "bar" and you’re unlikely to forget his Satsuma cocktail (No, you’ll have to find out what’s in it yourself!). The rich drinks menu has great variety and you’re sure to see your favorite on it. You can also debate what 007’s usual drink was as you sample a Bond Style Martini. Prices are reasonable. Or be adventurous and try something totally different. The wine list is interesting because it has three times as many reds on it than whites. It must speak to Istanbulites’ preference for red wine. Prices seem pretty much in line with what the other restaurants charge. The range per bottle goes from YTL 40 to 85.
When you look at Yan from the outside, it is almost impossible to imagine that it has four floors. Last year two of the floors could be used for private parties but now the fourth floor is finished and will take parties of up to 60 people. There is a bar, barmen and waiters available for a private party. A cloakroom will handle your coats and umbrellas and even a private bathroom. The space can be rented allowing you to host your own party.
Actually every floor has been decorated with a different concept. The third floor for example is arranged so that the table you choose and the chairs are bathed in light; from the tablecloth to the glasses everything is designed to make you feel special. The food served there is from the palace with the only difference being that the royal family might not be there. The third floor is also an art gallery and most recently Orhan Cem Çetin’s photographs were on display.
That’s not the end of the special features found at Yan. The last week of every month is devoted to a special concept along with good food and good music. For example, one of the first evenings known as "Yan Nights" was Kitsch Night when DJ Kaan played funny, exciting songs from the 70s, the 60s and the 45s. The chef prepared a special menu that starred the kind of food your mother used to cook from appetizers to roast and mashed potatoes. To give you some idea of the cost, this special set menu including a glass of rakı came to only YTL 30.
In November, "Yan Nights" continued with a Spanish theme. A tapas food bar offered many choices and sangria accompanied the meal if you wanted it. The music was a surprise but suited the Spanish atmosphere.
Every Wednesday DJ Hayko plays 80s and 90s music and every Tuesday DJ Kaan beguiles funk music lovers offering them a chance to dance.
Prices include VAT but not service.
Yan Gastrobar
Hours: 18:00-01:00 Tuesday Ğ Thursday / 18:00-04:00 Friday - Saturday (Open during the holiday)
Adress: Siraselviler Cad. Aslanyatagi Sok.
No: 5, Taksim Tel: 0212 249 12 83