Latest gemstone in hip Nişantaşı: Covva

One of Nişantası's hippest restaurants, Covva Brasserie is located on one of Istanbul’s most elite avenues, Maçka Street. From the entrance the restaurant looks a bit undersized, but once inside, a lush and sunny sitting area and garden appear in the back. And like many Nişantaşı Brasseries, the focus on dŽcor and details are vast; a mixture of wood, murky mirrors and terracotta-covered seats dominate the scene here.

Light set of choices
The menu is typical brasserie-type fares with a Turkish twist on some of the dishes and mostly composed of salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas and grilled meat entrees. But it becomes obvious that the owners of Covva are female entrepreneurs when one notices a diet selection in the back of the menu. This section, designed by dietician Selahattin Dönmez, has some of the tastiest cuisine options on the menu Ğ even if one is not watching their waistline! The red salad is composed of asparagus, chickpeas, and red cabbage and served with grilled chicken. The lovely cotton candy pink symphony is a delight for the eyes and the taste buds.

As Covva is well-liked with the "ladies who lunch" crowd in Nişantası, the menu hosts about six different types of salads, which seem to be the most popular selections among female diners. Recommended is the light yet filling grilled hellim cheese salad.

One of the most popular and elegant dishes at Covva is the shrimp tower. It’s literally a four-story tall tower of large shrimps, layered with tomatoes and slices of avocadoes, topped with balsamic sauce. The dish is both agriculturally creative and viciously appetizing! Another crowd pleasing fare is the succulent gnocchi- referred to as noki. Blended lightly with cream sauce, the pasta dish is served with mountain mushrooms or as a bed under grilled meats or salmon.

The tasty homemade ravioli stuffed with risotto cheese and spinach is served either with tomatoes or pesto sauce. Covva’s thick crusted selection of pizzas are also flavorful and worth sampling.

For dessert Covva introduces its home style pumpkin cake, a light and scrumptious slice of moist pumpkin cake with a thin layer of cream. And the chestnut and chocolate soufflŽs consumed at the next table looked likewise heavenly.

For a leisurely morning of newspaper reading and relaxing, Covva’s breakfast provides plenty of eggs and dairy in a sunny garden atmosphere in Nişantaşı Ğ and for a good value! A wide variety of cheeses, fried eggs and Turkish sausage, or sucuk, along with all you can drink tea is offered for 17 Turkish Liras. The innovative Turkey tost with avocadoes and olive paste is in additional option to a nice breakfast.

Aperitivo, cocktails and DJs at Covva
Covva Brasserie is reintroducing the Italian pre-dinner cocktail tradition of aperitivo in Nişantaşı on weekdays. As Covva is recognized as one of the new brand names of the organization and entertainment company Devrialem.biz, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. it hosts a hip and selective gathering. Cocktail drinks are served alongside light finger foods, and alternating DJs play funky chill-out tunes Tuesdays through Thursday.

A small platter composed of mini meatballs, crispy chicken, pizza and French fries are served with cocktail drinks for 30 liras during aperitivo hours. Try the Mandarin Orange Mohito Ğ Covva’s house special.

Covva
Maçka Caddesi 20/16,
Nişantaşı Tel: (0212) 296 02 11
www.covva.com.tr