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AUTUMN AT ARKESTRA, ISTANBUL

23/10/2024

Arkestra, a Michelin-starred restaurant and listening bar in Istanbul, Turkey, led by husband-and-wife duo Chef-Patron Cenk Debensason and Debora Ipekel, will launch their Guest Chef series, starting with Michelin-starred Chef, Greg Marchand, this November. This follows an already busy Autumn, with the re-opening of intimate in-house bistro and bar Ritmo, a new menu in the main restaurant, and a lineup of guest DJs spinning records in the top-floor Listening Room.

ARKESTRA’S GUEST CHEF SERIES

On 13th and 14th November, Arkestra will kick off its Guest Chef series by hosting Gregory Marchand, the celebrated chef behind Michelin-starred Frenchie "Rue Du Nil" in Paris, for an exclusive four-hands dinner with Cenk. Known for pioneering the “bistronomy” movement, Marchand brings a bold, signature style developed through his years working in acclaimed kitchens across London, Hong Kong, and New York. Now at the helm of multiple ventures, including his flagship restaurant, Frenchie. Marchand will join forces with Debensason, whose playful yet refined approach has earned Arkestra its own Michelin star.

The two chefs will blend classic French techniques with international and local influences, creating a set menu that harmonises bold flavours, textures, and innovative techniques. The menu includes: Daurade crudo, sauce grenobloise, salade d’herbes; Cheese souffle, sauce vin jaune; Turbot, mousse de crevette, bisque, pomelo, Frozen mezcalita with espelette pepper; Banoffee, nutmeg and caramelised pecan.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Arkestra at +90 212 970 72 73, or through Mastercard from €116 per person.

RITMO RE-OPENS

Following a seasonal break, the stylist bistro and bar nestled behind cloaked velvet curtains within Arkestra, has re-opened with a new menu that keeps indulgence at the heart with highlights including Amberjack ceviche and kohlrabi with coconut and coriander sauce; Gochujang steak tartare with miso aioli, rice cracker; Confit duck leg with potato mousseline and red wine chicken jus; and Chocolate fondant with truffle vanilla ice-cream for dessert.

The 32-cover space filled with dark corners, a mirrored ceiling, and decorated with touches of gold throughout is serving redefined cocktails classics including an Old Fashioned made with chocolate and aromatic bitters - perfect to savour as the temperature drops. The wine list continues to showcase local suppliers with organic and natural wines available by the glass and bottle.

In early 2025 Ritmo will host international bartenders for special collaborations and residencies.

ARKESTRA’S NEW SEASONAL MENU FULL OF FLAVOUR

Celebrating the finest seasonal produce from local suppliers, infused with chef Cenk’s distinctive, genre-defying style, fall dishes take centre stage. The new menu also reimagines classics such as Duck Apicius, now paired with Pulled duck leg pastilla, and seasonal mushrooms served with porcini cream, chicken jus, carob croutons, 62° egg. Additional highlights include:


CRAB & FENNEL AJO BLANCO
king crab meat, fennel, ajo blanco, grapefruit, madras curry oil

BEETROOT & NİĞDE BLUE CHEESE
beetroot tartare, Niğde blue cheese mousse, cucumber, green apple, sorrel pesto

STONE BASS & YUZU
tare glazed stone bass, dashi risotto, yuzu beurre blanc, samphire

CHICKEN VOL AU VENT
chicken thigh, langoustine, seasonal mushrooms, bisque & suprême sauce

LAMB & BLACK GARLIC
grilled lamb saddle, confit lamb shoulder, lamb tenderloin, black garlic cream, miso soubise, spring onion


GUEST DJS AT THE LISTENING ROOM

Above the restaurant lies the Listening Room, an intimate bar that hosts a rotation of weekly events featuring local DJs, record collectors, and renowned international artists. On Friday 18th October, Arkestra welcomes Cami Layé Okún, a Cuban DJ and radio host known for her infectious global sounds and extensive vinyl collection with performances at some of the world’s finest venues. On Friday 21st October, Loft Caz Magazine, a local jazz publication led by one of Arkestra’s regular DJs, Eray Düzgünsoy, will host an exclusive takeover at the Listening Room. This intimate event offers jazz enthusiasts a chance to unwind with carefully curated records whilst sipping on cocktails, creating the perfect setting for those seeking a relaxed and laid back atmosphere.

For more information please contact zoe@gemmabellandcompany.com


Arkestra will also be hosting international bars and renowned bartenders this autumn, with more details to be announced soon. Visit the website and @arkestra.ist to stay updated.

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