So what is it people want thats different?

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 10:30

So many bars/cafes, please share your opinions on what it is you would like to see

(jokes and smart comments aside please or this would be a pointless quest)

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 10:46

Turkan, any thing thats NC or Turkish origin... There is to much rubbish British stuff in the cafes/bars, to many second rate Karaoke.



Turkish evenings, with 'belly dancing ', Turkish dancing,... Evenings based on NC, Turkish food etc ...

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 10:55

Good to hear i am fulfilling some of what you ask already, i am a belly dancer/teacher already bringing culture to the island, i perform at venues and teach here at 'Cookies' bar (central girne) too!



Tues eve 6.30pm - 7.30pm and thursday 10.30am - 11.30am. We are otherwise known as CREAM BAR with our evening crowd.



I hope to fulfill some more of what you have put here.

Thank you



tel 0548 8801952

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 10:58

Lets have "Belly Dancers", get rid of the ubiquitous Brit menus, and lets get into the TC spirit,..(Well done Dizzy, I agree)..

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 11:03

Thank you martin yes, i believe the same, we are turkish here lets not lose what people came here for. Great to share with other cultures and identifying with them, but not to lose more of our identity!



And so i want to provide some of that in modern terms, i think its finding the balance.



Recognition of europe with turkish?

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 11:06

When we first came to NC, we went to some traditional evenings, they were packed out, but these last 3 or 4 years all the cafes/eating places offer is Brits screeching and dreadful food, plus rowdy around the bar backs to you large tellies!!....



With the traditional evenings every one seemed a lot happier to speak, and every one would join in...



Look forward to better things ....

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 11:07

So i guess you would like to see turkish breakfast, lunch ideas? Turkish coffee?



Turkish music? in a daytime cafe? i have hear the english so often complain of hearing turkish music, does it need to be without lyrics to be more appealing?



Ca you give me more food for thought!

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 11:09

Dizzycows -Im a daytime cafe, though i could put your evening idea to our night time trade. What would you like to see in the day?

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 11:42

Turkan

What I miss after having stayed in Istanbul on a regular basis is the traditional Turkish buffet breakfast. Not just a plate of 'bits and pieces' that some offer out here but the full monty where you can (and I did) spend 2 hours eating breakfast. I would not be bothered about the cost because a decent breakfast like that would set you up for the day.

And anyone that has not sampled a typical Turkish buffet breakfast then you haven't lived

AJ

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 11:46

I fully agree, god i miss it too, certainly giving that strong consideration. i prepare my own at home and it can make you feel so special, its a meze breakfast and certainly sets you up for the day, a big breakfast that is healthy such as this means eating less the rest of the day, which is just what the doctor orders.



Great feedback AJ thanks

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 11:47

Message 7 : Yes I would like to see more real Turkish/Cypriot menus and real food not just Kebab and .Chips for the tourists. Also Turkish Coffee and in summer Ayran fresh made (its not that difficult).and fresh orange and lemon juice.



Music ..........mmm. I quite like most Turkish music but some of the more Arabic influenced falls oddly on English ears. But whatever music NOT TOO LOUD . People like to talk over their meals so soft background "musak" of whatever origin is best for eating places.



Yes I had forgotten Turkish breakfasts - used to meet friends regularly at the Dome for them.



An what about a selection of Mezze (perhaps with a few European style hors d'oevres) as a buffet so people who like a light lunch can pick a selection as a main course.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 11:58

Turkan, will leave the day time thing to other members, as we tend to visit other villages and sights etc around the Island.



What AJ has suggested sounds good ... All the very best with it ...

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 11:58

RE belly dancing;



some say the ancient Greeks invented it.



others that it was the Egyptians.



not many make the claim for Turkey.



So can it really be called traditional here in the TRNC?



There are bars in the south that actually promote it.

Earlybird


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 816

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:02

Traditional Cypriot food, I didn't come here to eat beefburgers! I am also finding it increasingly difficult to get Turkish coffee in restaurants nowadays. "Sorry we don't do it."

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:03

Lets just say its mediterranean i have had this subject many a time, we share it, its just expressed slightly differently by different countries, different hand movements or hip movements

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:04

dizzy;



Given your dislike for all things Brit, you seem to spend a fair amount of time extolling the virtues of the hut and their English grub!

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:10

Hi Early bird, i certainly do do it with choice of Con or Mehmet Effendi for you, they differ in blends. When your next paying you electricity bill give us a visit, im across the road to the electricity office in the car park area, Our bar is called 'CREAM' by night and my cafe in the day is 'Cookies' therefore im cookies @ CREAM.



Current opening hours, until future progress -



Mon- Closed



Tues, wed, fri - 9-5pm



Thurs- 11.30am - 5pm ( Late start due to Bellydance class in the morning!)



Hope to see you

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:11

newscoop, yes, 'The Hut' is about the only decent place to get food that my husband can eat!



I can eat any food, Turkish, English, French, German you name it I eat, but unfortunately my husband doesn't!



Fact being a couple, and married for 45 years we share, we tend to go places where he can enjoy, and then we go places I can enjoy ,



Hope this helps with your enquiry ...

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:14

Ooops forgot to say... Hubby loves the 'belly dancing' shows ... Iv got the belly, but not quite the action ...

stelee77


Joined: 06/06/2011
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:16

Variety is the spice of life.

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:16

What is it at the Hut that you enjoy? Is it purely english? of course i would like to include some english food, most certainly staying away from a greasy spoon, a small selection is my idea so such as yourselves can both enjoy at the same place

vonny


Joined: 25/06/2009
Posts: 476

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:23

tarkan,will you be making home made cypriot dinners? although i do cook them sometimes my husband and i like to eat out and it seems its getting harder to find these places.and i believe if your prices are reasonable,you feed the people well and you dont just cater for the brits you should do well.

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:24

Thank you dizzycows, he must come see me at Soyz bar Catalkoy 4th November, im performing there, as said earlier in my post im a bellydance teacher/performer too.please tell them i sent you if you go.Its on from 8 til late so i understand and i dance around 9pm



thanks Stelee, i hope to create variety and be known as the interesting cafe/bar, here at Cookies @CREAM



I would likE to mention that i am also looking to create a market day on wednesdays 9-3pm, where as an open cafe we will have colourful interesting pieces for sale, a tourist attraction and hopefully something for locals to be proud of, being just up from the harbor we hope it will be much sucess.This is work in progress!

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:25

Anyone who has just joined us, please read from the top as there has been a lot of great input and information for you

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:28

First and foremost is using real potatoes and not frozen chips!



Smiling faces, NO HUGE telly screens, table clothes, ... just visit and sample to see why they are always so busy... ... Nice views, Road screened off ....



No larger louts ..

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:29

Also just to get you thinking, people tend to think they know what they want, but it changes all the time, so is a cafe/bar better to offer some things regular and have a variety of different things on different days to keep your interest. in this way you get kept wanting???

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:36

Yes Dizzycows, as someone who is cypriot. yet brought up in the uk i totally appreciate customer service!



A smile is an absolute no matter what your day, i hate it when i smile and get a mug shot back, nothing worse!



I hear you about the potatoes.



The telly screen will not be huge, i would like to create an interactive space where tables talk to eachother or at least to me. With the choice to switch off and view some sky news or other interesting viewing.



I dont have larger louts and when i do sell bottled beer there wont be a lout accompnying it.

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:37

Please check out my question above

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:57

Also please answer, would you prefer jazz, chillout, bit of world music in the back ground?

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 13:07

Def classical music really chills me out !!

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 13:08

ooowww yes pipie like it, well i do, so nice to hear someone else does too. I used to have some of it feature 4 years ago when i ran the days

inthesun


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 43

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 13:52

All the traditional Turkish Cypriot restaurants we frequent offer the usual mezes, salad, chips and kebab or cipura at a slightly differing quality and price. All good food, but what about the one pot meals, eg. guvec. Loved it while on mainland Turkey, but hardly see it offered here, unless pre-ordered. It would be a great dish during the winter months, whilst cosying up to a pot belly fire. (I must be getting older!).

dearie


Joined: 08/03/2011
Posts: 142

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 13:58

There is definately a lack of places serving proper home made cypriot food. I am all kebabed and mezed out - I would like to see Taze fasulye - Kuru Faslye - Bamya - Molihiya - Kolocas - Firin Makarna etc etc like my mother-in-law ysed to make . Afiyet olsun

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 14:03

thanks guys, im a cafe bar not a restaurant

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 15:35

how about snacks

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 15:36

i get the idea that no one actually wants anything different

boroles


Joined: 28/11/2010
Posts: 93

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 15:47

just look at cupcakes in Ozankoy home made cakes and pies doing realy well no mater what you think the brits still like there comfort food. we all love differnt foods but we still miss some of our good old british food.

inthesun


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 43

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 16:43

Dear Dearie, sounds terrific - I feel a hunger coming on!

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 17:00

What about Gosleme not seen much of that around Girne, we love it for a snack at lunchtime.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 17:04

Good service always ticks the box for me, a nice welcome, attention at the table,lots of smiles generally just made to feel welcome !!

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 17:27

Turkan

If you decide to go down the Turkish buffet breakfast route even if it is just one day a week then let me know and I will be there like a shot.

p.s. don't forget proper Turkish tea as the breakfast would not be complete without it.

AJ

Gunay


Joined: 18/10/2011
Posts: 8

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 17:41

The sound of the Meze Breakfast sounds an excellent idea, followed by an enjoyable organised walk something structured where people, who do not know each other can share the time of day. There by encouraging light exercise then returning for a light afternoon snack. Only an idea but if that went well the walks could develop into a regular programme of events that do not cost anything other than the price of the meal. Healthy eating and moderate exercise will enhance both mental and physical health whislt at the same time provoke conversation and possible friendships. Think outside the box and just for the record I am British very proud of being so and love the quality of life in both countries and would certainly look forward to another enjoyable activity to add to my structured life.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 17:47

Gunay. And your idea would help many people with diebetes.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 17:54

AJ. Agree with you about the turkish breakfast I have just had two weeks in Akyaka in Turkey, the breakfast every morning was superb fresh bread and rolls baked at the Hotel and not a sausage or bacon in sight, eggs boiled fresh as you wanted them a chef to cook omlette with peppers mushrooms cheese onions, a choice of cereals with a honey comb dripping with honey to help yourself and different homemade jams, just yummy.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 20:17

AJ Absolutely right ,,,

















Rob,

Gunay


Joined: 18/10/2011
Posts: 8

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 22:29

Turkan, 45 replies your thoughts?

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
19/10/2011 09:16

Thank you Gunay, i have spoken very much if you look back over the posts, all very good ideas!



What i take from this is a desire for a lengthy breakfast, good personality at the table and the smile on the way in and out. So far as gozleme, not something i know to make and im looking for simplicity as i dont have much man/woman power here.

I want an easy atmosphere of people taking advantage of what we have to offer, we are a wifi zone, laptops welcome!

Love the walk idea Gunay, i walk every morning at the stadium, im a fitness instructor of 15 years, bellydance teacher of 15 years so fitness is my life, if only i could lead a walk after breakfast, time will tell.

I will keep all tuned.

Talking of tradition, if you would like to see how turkish coffee really should be served come and see us!

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
19/10/2011 10:18

We are across the road to the electricity office, and round the back in the car park space, there are trees around beside the narrow alley/road that takes you through to the liman casino road.

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
19/10/2011 12:08

if lost call 0548 880 1952

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
19/10/2011 14:56

back to the top

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
19/10/2011 19:48

as requested above we have our turkish tea and are working on putting in place more of what is wanted

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
20/10/2011 14:47

We are setting up an indoor market in the near future and one of the business holders is Ree of 'Ot Flowers'. Once in Catalkoy, establishing business with us here, on Wednesdays and Fridays.



'Ot flowers' will be a part of the indoor market too.



If you have a celebration to get flowers arranged for please give Ree a visit, or ask within

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
20/10/2011 15:03

Ree's tel number 0542 8812315

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
20/10/2011 16:39

back to the top, new info

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
21/10/2011 09:39

back to the top

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
21/10/2011 15:26

cookies@creamcyprus.com

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
21/10/2011 15:45

READY TO GO -As a stall holder who is interested in joining our wednesday indoor market, now is the time to come see me

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
22/10/2011 11:52

Turkan,



I love AJ's idea of a Turkish breakfast, even if you only have it one day a week as AJ said. I think it is a good idea to have a good balance in your menu. Your most popular English dishes and some good home-made Turkish food for those who want a taste of the real Northern Cyprus. That will keep everyone happy! Having a different Turkish special each day would be great!



I do think that music can change the ambience of a place. In Kyrenia harbour you can always hear western pop music coming from the eating and drinking establishments when some soft Turkish music would be lovely! Soft music in environments for eating/drinking and chatting is always good!



Good luck with your changes!



Angela

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
22/10/2011 11:59

Thank you Angela, you have prietty much said all that im aiming to do. We are also wanting to make an indoor market to create a community feel, as everything else is available.



We want to be far from boring.



World music i think

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
22/10/2011 12:04

You are right. You sound as if you have everything sorted. The indoor market sounds good!



Good luck with that!



Angela

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
22/10/2011 12:33

Thank you Angela and thanks again for all the ideas, more welcome

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
22/10/2011 16:55

back to the top

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
23/10/2011 07:52

back to the top

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
23/10/2011 20:38

any more views

cassius


Joined: 20/03/2009
Posts: 110

Message Posted:
23/10/2011 22:58

I came here, not the only reason, because there was none of the english "rubbish" here but now everyone seems to wants to turn this into little england. I personally hate the entertainments, kariokes and all the rest and would like to go to places where you can have a nice meal,no loud music and be able to talk with friends. I appreciate you cannot please everyone but these are my views and views that keep me at home for most of the time.

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
24/10/2011 13:41

Totally appreciate what your saying cassius, thank you

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
24/10/2011 14:46

I get frustrated when we have friends and family visiting to try to find decent eating places at a good price at lunchtime.



So often we go out looking for somewhere to snack for lunch and end up ordering a meal that one would normally associate as an evening meal but because of the price (I call it an evening price!) we just have one meal between two. For a light lunch we're looking for a snack or 'light lunch' menu. I don't want steak and chips, swordfish or kleftiko for lunch, it's too much and too expensive. What about having two menus, one for evening meals and one for lunch, you might then get people coming back at different times knowing there'll be different things to eat.



Places that claim they do lunch only seem to do omlettes or burgers and the rest of the menu are evening meals. What about some home made appetizers, proper chips if you must have them (not frozen), small portions that can really be called 'snacks', like little moussaka portions in a pot?

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
24/10/2011 20:12

Fair comment, pippie, though we must not forget, the food here is different for the english, just as much as english food is different for the turkish, so when the english say they dont like seeing their food here, its got to be a fair exchange for the turkish that want something new too.



I dont think we can exclude english food in places and go all out turkish cuisine, that would make that place not so attractive to the local who can make their own.



I think its a balance. Also better standard food costs more, and honestly, i dont think people in this economic climate ever want to pay too much, fo lunch or dinner. Whole heartedly agree, wheres the snacks???? I would like to work on that one and keep it bite size, so to speak

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
25/10/2011 10:35

back to the top

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
25/10/2011 11:05

more input please

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
25/10/2011 11:17

Hi Turkan, I hope I didn't give the impression 'don't do English'. I don't mind English now and again, and I'm fed up with dürüm all the time. I'm sure a lot of people will agree it's just nice to go out and have food made for you rather than slaving over a hot stove, whether it's food you could make at home or not (as long as it tastes good!).



The 'bite-size' theme is a good one and if you want to go truly international for all tastes you could always incorporate the equivalent of tapas and little taster dishes of indian cuisine to top it all off!



Good luck and please tell us more about the market plans.

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
25/10/2011 12:44

Yes pipie, thank you



The market plans are all about having good cultural stuff or at least good quality things to appeal to locals and tourists.

We want to put another interest out there for people to enjoy. An artist will be displaying his work with us, Ree of Ot Florists is out in the front yard and some others are yet to come see me.

We will have back ground music, refreshments and plans are food once the market takes off.



I would like to create a buzzing atmosphere of people watching, talking and shopping.

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
25/10/2011 14:10

back to the top

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
25/10/2011 15:27

any more views

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
26/10/2011 09:33

Interested in the turkish cypriot breakfast followed by a walk led by a fitness instructor?



let me know by texting me or email cookies@creamcyprus.com

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
26/10/2011 12:06

Also comment here for the above message

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
26/10/2011 13:07

Please look at post -As Requested Proper Turkish Breakfast

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
26/10/2011 18:31

back to the top

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
26/10/2011 20:32

back to the top

redseadance


Joined: 22/09/2010
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
27/10/2011 00:17

More full on club nights ;)

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
27/10/2011 12:46

cream bar has that wrapped, on a friday night, we are a daytime cafe bar

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
27/10/2011 17:28

TO BE ABLE TO BUY A HOUSE AND NOT BE CONNED BY:

-LANDOWNERS

-BUYERS

-ADVOCATES

-AND AMBITIONS JOURNALISTS.

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
27/10/2011 19:51

hildysmith, fair comment but we are talking about a cafe bar

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
27/10/2011 21:19

Give me a cafe to live in as I have nothing else.

turkan


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 954

Message Posted:
28/10/2011 10:13

can we continue on the initial subject, everyone was doing so well with it