Mickey’s

Ok, I’m a bit ashamed to admit that we had a burger whilst in Turkey, but after an eight hour meeting I think we were entitled to a menu we could navigate without too much thought. Mickey’s offered an inviting outdoor setting where we could enjoy the summer sunshine. We started with daquiris – I had a strawberry one, which came out in a big glass and was sweet and not overly alcoholic. Whilst the menu offers food from a range of non-Turkish cuisines, we both opted for a burger – I had the ‘Mickey’s burger’, with beef, cheddar cheese, caramelised onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles and relish, and accompanied by fries and coleslaw. The beef was tender and went well with the sweetness of the relish and caramelised onions. The sauce was very oozy but had a good kick, and I soaked up the excess with my fries. Overall it was a very filling meal – if I went again, I would order the smaller of the two sizes – and whilst it wasn’t the best burger I’ve ever had, it was a good, reliable meal at the end of a long day.

Mickey’s, Arjantin Cd, Gaziosmanpaşa Mh., Ankara, Turkey http://mickeys.com.tr/

Lo and Loud

Lo and Loud was my local breakfast place for the two days my colleague and I spent in Ankara. Within walking distance of the hotel and stocked with incredible, mouthwatering pastries, it was no hardship to pop down for breakfast in the mornings. Turkey seems to run on tea (çai), and I had my first taste of it here. As someone who usually drinks black tea, I quite enjoyed the brew with one sugar to counteract the bitterness. We tried a variety of savoury pastries across the two days, although never reached the point where I knew their names. Favourites included a slice that was filled with meat and potato (served warm), and a glazed bread topped with black sesame seeds – simple but tasty. We were lucky enough to meet a Turkish gentleman who spoke fluent English on the first day, and he graciously talked us through the pastry options and then ordered for us – hospitality is flawless in Turkey. We were delighted to see him again on the second day, where he repeated the favour. Obviously Lo and Loud was his local too, and I can understand why.

Lo and Loud, Barbaros Mh., 06700 Ankara, Turkey, no website