It's going to seem strange not staying at The Manuela, our usual haunt, which we've stayed at over the years - including 3 weeks this July. The only flights we could get were silly o'clock in the morning, so we've done a "package deal" staying behind, at The Makumba with decent flight times.
It's going to be great to see our old friends again"¦
The Golden Spoon - Engin, aka Elvis "You are my best customers" who used to manage The Red Dragon, runs this beautiful restaurant now - delicious food!
Ali's Restaurant - (next door) Run by Ali and his wife Gudred. They have become our close friends over the years. Divine Turkish food, presented beautifully, homely people, friendly waiters"¦ no hassle! It's a must if you're going to Bitez!
Number 48 - Now situated on the back road by The Red Dragon. Run by Mustafa and Ahmet. Great lads, great food but we miss them being on the front, people don't know they're there, so business is quiet.
The Red Dragon - Ali now manages here, must admit, the food here wasn't as good this year. But if you are missing your "English breakfast" they do the best one around.
The Sultan - Not one we visit regularly, but we've never had a bad meal.
The First Stop - Vedat and his brother Sedat who run this establishment, fabulous guys and good friends. Scrumptious food, great cocktails and a lorra, lorra laughs!!!
Seashells - Fish (whale) and chips is a must with live music.
Istanbul - Slightly pricey"¦ mezes to die for.
For all you people watchers, Bill Murray (Johnny Alan - Ex-Eastenders) eats at The New Seasons, used to be The Four Seasons. He has a place in Bitez, we saw him a few times this year. Not a personal choice of ours. They also own The Vona, which we don't bother with due to aggressiveness of one of their staff - two years ago - who's still working there.
Aegean Real Estate - (Next door to the Istanbul restaurant)
Omer, who is helping us with the purchase of our property, is one of the nicest, genuine people you could ever wish to meet. Our treatment has been first class. Omer has lived in Bitez nearly all his life, and tells us of winter times in Bitez. Some of us think everywhere shuts down, as the tourists leave, but some establishments stay open all year, including his business. He showed us photographs of him and his family, on the beach, eating, in their jumpers in December!
Last but not least"¦
The Manuela Hotel - Our home from home. From Oktay the owner to Ersun on Reception, to the cleaners and bar staff over the years"¦ your treatment is second to none. We'd recommend The Manuela to anyone and everyone. The location is directly on the beach, service is excellent, and the food is good.
Our only "gripe" is the earache you get off certain members of staff for not being there 24/7. We like to go out for the day, and eat out most nights (its part of being on holiday, creating memories and meeting new people). Joshcun who used to Manager Reception and The Real Estate, now runs The Tumay Hotel in Bitez, invited us to his wedding this summer. Fabulous time was had by all! If you want a basic, clean hotel on the beach with fantastic staff and scenery - book The Manuela.
The reason we love Bodrum Peninsula (especially Bitez) is because of the diversity"¦ you can hop a dolmus to just about anywhere in 30 minutes.
From Tubucku, which is like Cannes, a hidden gem, full of Turkish actors and models - jaw dropping for people watchers! To Turgetreis for the Saturday market, to Gumusluk for a fish supper by candlelight, to Gumbet if you want Blackpool, to Torba for a quiet pebbly beach, to Yalikavak for picturesque windmills and finally Bodrum for the winding streets and throbbing atmosphere of a quaint harbour - fantastic shops and great restaurants!
The world is our oyster - but Turkey is our pearl!
P.S. Sorry for rambling"¦ I could go on a lot longer, but ill stop boring you - till next time haha
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Edited by
MyHeartBelongsToKadi
2006-09-19 14:52:56
