We were up quite early because Habibi was coming with a friend to begin building our new fence to close the gap caused by the February storm landslide. Today they were cutting the metal poles to length and placing them along the line, sunk into concrete filled holes. It all seemed to be going well and they have done a neat job. Tomorrow, Bob and Habibi will fit the fencing to the poles and it will be done. In the autumn we can plant in front of it and maybe in a few years it can come down. It depends on what our neighbours do on their side and also how quickly anything we plant grows in height and width.
We set off at about 1140 to pick up our friends, Deborah and David, in Alsancak village. We had booked to go for Sunday lunch at Elfie’s Vineyard, which is out west, past the reservoir in Camlibel. It’s a nice drive along the north coast and then curving inland to go past the beautiful reservoir and on into the agricultural hinterlands. We have been once before, last December, David and Deborah hadn’t been before.
It is a bit of an odd place. A large villa set amongst hectares of organic vines, with a large covered terrace down one side which serves as the restaurant. It’s not particularly attractive. The terrace has large arched openings and in December when we were last there, we were glad they were closed with plastic. Today, it was over 30C and some fresh air, a bit of a breeze would have been most welcome.
The owner welcomed us and our lunch was quickly served – 3 of us had chosen roast lamb, Bob had picked pork. The portions are large and the vegetables well cooked and flavoured nicely. There are nice roast potatoes, an enormous Yorkshire pudding and individual bowls of cauliflower cheese. Nice gravy. The Yorkshire is outstanding. The best ever in our opinion. Deborah and I had a glass each of the vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. It was quite drinkable. We also had a flagon of ice water. Bob and David had beers. Afterwards we were served dessert which was a strawberry ice cream sundae. Finally there was a glass of homemade limoncello. The whole lunch for 4 of us including drinks and service was 4200 tl. That’s about £25 per person. Too much I think. It’s a pity. We had a really nice lunch the four of us, great company of course and we liked the food but it was overpriced.
After lunch we headed back detouring out to Horseshoe Bay to see how the re-development of the cove and a favourite restaurant was going. We have read it hopes to re-open this summer. Well…. wow!!!! They are redeveloping the whole place and it looks lovely. Clean. Very tasteful landscaping and the new restaurant/bar is nothing short of amazing. Lovely bespoke wooden furniture, lovely stone terraces, super bar areas both inside and out, a massive bbq grill….. We were very impressed. I’m afraid it’s not going to be as cheap as Ibo’s was but it looks very well worth a visit as does the cove. New loos have been built. Proper ones. Looks like there are flattened areas for loungers and the beach has been sanded. We’ll revisit when we are back in September.
Came back and had a drink in David and Deborah’s outdoor bar area which was lovely. No need for any dinner tonight. We are still full from lunch so maybe it was good value after all!!!
Nice to sit out on the terrace with a g&t or a glass of white wine though and enjoy the peaceful evening. Of course I had my frankincense going and Bob on the music system….
