About me
For how long you’ve been to Turkey?
It is my third year but no one (including me) believes it has been so short.
Why did you decide to move to Istanbul?
I came here as a tourist number of times and fell in love. After living in 6 cities in 5 different countries I felt Istanbul is the right place with its roaring energy and fascinating food; for me Istanbul is a happy union of Asian wildness and European comforts.
Did you speak any Turkish before you came here?
None. But Turks are extremely supporting towards foreigners who bother to make an effort with learning the language. After dozens of chats over Turkish tea, hours of sharing housework and gossiping with the women of the family and one season of Muhteşem Yüzyil I got fluent.
Are you married? Is your husband Turkish? How did you meet?
I am married to a wonderful Turkish man. We met in the house of his mother whom in turn I met through her legendary food. I know it sounds like a movie script. Maybe one day..
Have you been always interested in cooking?
Yes, I grew up in the house of my grandma who cooked wholesome meals out of the seasonal ingredients from her garden. As a young cook I struggled with the lack of ingredients - first, in Russia of early 90s when many things just were not available and then in Norway where I had to shop at 5 different stores to fill up my pantry somehow. Possibly this is why I am in Turkey where abundant produce makes you instantly a great cook (well, maybe it does take time).
Did you go to culinary school?
No. I have gone to business school and worked as a strategy consultant: believe or not that is extremely useful background at the kitchen because I tend to be critical, I can see patterns in what may look like unrelated actions and I know how to close my skill and knowledge gaps - very quickly. I think this is what I get asked this questions way too often.
How you have learned about Turkish cuisine?
I have been lucky to have such a mentor as my mother-in-law, a phenomenal cook, who has introduced me to traditional Turkish cooking. But I am also keeping an eye on young Istanbul chefs, reading anything related to Turkish cooking I can put my hands on, visiting Istanbul food markets to study seasonal produce and cooking a lot myself.
About Delicious Istanbul blog
Why haven not you answered my e-mail or comment?
I am delighted to receive feedback to my tips, thoughts and recipes on this blog. And I am receiving more and more everyday - possibly as a reflection of my growth. But it is not always easy for me to keep up. I do my best to reply to every comment and e-mail I receive, but I apologize if I failed here or there. There are exceptions though: I don’t respond to the questions I’ve addressed in FAQ and I don’t bother to email you back if you failed to address me by my first name.
I have left a comment on your blog and it was deleted.
I think of myself as a positive person even at the moments I get desperate with the Turkish cleaning ladies or excess of roux-thickened Turkish soups. That’s why I’d like to keep the dialogue with my readers on that very frequency - positive, inspiring, meaningful. And I moderate the comments to ensure it stays that way.
Where can I find Turkish tea in my town? How can I buy Turkish red pepper flakes online?
I am glad my blog has inspired you to look out for those Turkish ingredients but I can’t help you source them where you live. I get mine from Istanbul food markets and I have never shopped for them online or abroad. Google must have a much better idea.
Do you accept advertising on your blog?
I am currently not running ads of any other products and services besides my own.
Do you accept guest posting?
Nice of you to ask but I currently don’t. For me blog like this is about self-learning and self-expression so guest posting does not really fit.
Can I use your photos, texts or recipes?
No, if you have not asked me.
Would you like to exchange links?
I often link out to the content that I personally find fascinating and relevant for my readers on my blog and social network accounts. But I don’t exchange links just for the sake of it.
Readers are welcome to contact me through the form below.
