PASS THE PASTRY FOR THE BUN
That's just what I did the other day. Out on my regular prowl to score some yummy-yet-mundane tarts for afternoon tea I passed on my usual providers-- Beyaz Firin, Morgan, Dilek, etc. for a new bakery/café/fave sip-and-sup WiFi spot that aims to reel in coastal Kalamis' young and artsy foreigners.
Sleek and modern, Joséphine's façade appealed, so I obliged. Ambling in, the heady smell of cinnamony bread instantly spurred my taste buds into over drive and I just had to try it all. Sure, they had samples, so I dug in with my pincers and popped a walnutty-chocoful eggy roll in my mouth. The results: Way too heavy to accompany a glass of tea, but great for breakfast with a strong doppio.
Surveying the showcases, tons of fruiy tarts and tartelettes, cakey standbys of every flavor, and, bread, loads of it. Some with nuts, some with fruits, braided buns, ciabatta, herby rolls, they had it all. A smart tactic if the aim is to appeal to bread-fancying Europeans. They'll surely prove to be hit with Turks, who constantly seek new hangouts and products. Turns out that in the one month the bakery's been opened acquaintances and family have made this spot a regular bread stop. Not an easy feat, considering that Turks don't go out for their loaf. The concierge usually delivers it.
Thimble-sized, Joséphine's got just a couple of tables inside but the patio 's ample, and surely will prove to be a neighborhood people-watching spot come summer. Also on the downside--and this may prove to be a blow if the joint's pandering breakfasty fare, their doors only open at 10 a.m.
All in all, and out of the more than half-dozen new cafés that have opened in the last 12 months, Joséphine's quaint and has what it takes to become a neighborhood culinary hotspot. Now, if they just opened early enough to quell the morning hunger of well-heeled joggers' .
ESSENTIALS
ADDRESS: Ahmet Mithat Efendi Cd. 15, Fenerbahçe/Kadiköy
STRICTLY SPEAKING:
Bread = Ekmek (Pron. as it's read)