While I was seeking out sumac, a lemony tart condiment resembling purple poppy seeds found sprinkled atop many a Middle Eastern dish, one vendor slipped away with a wink and emerged with a small burlap sack heavy with large coarse crystals of lemon salt – a new one on me - which I immediately stocked up on.

Back in Paris, I downloaded the photos I’d taken – with my iPhone. And while photography was not on the menu on this particular jaunt, I was able to return with one delight that was quite unexpected: photographs so sharp and color-drenched that next time, I think I’ll leave the Nikon at home. 

Where To Stay: “One of the few hotels in the world incorporating the philosophy of Feng Shui in its body design.” Small luxury hotel on banks of Bosphorus. Hotel Les Ottomans

Where To Eat: Dine and socialize around open wood burning grills. Fantastic meze, skewered lamb, paper thin bread crisps with flecks of peppers and garlic... Packed by 10 p.m. Zubeyir

Out On The Town: Enter unmarked 19th C building on Old Embassy Row, take elevator to penthouse and raise a glass to twinkling city below and panoramic views across the Bosphorus. DJ’s, live dancers, performances on weekends. Bar/restaurant weeknights. Club 360

“Must” Experience: Unwind at this incredible 300-year-old Turkish Bath complete with foam massages, heated marble floors and its Old Marble Café Restaurant. Cagaloglu Hamami 

Insider Tip: Don’t ever pay quoted price. Haggle. Especially if buying several items at same stall. It’s expected.

At Airport Duty Free: Pistachio loukoums, Turkish Raki (Arrak), rose petal marmalade

The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is closed Sundays

ISTANBUL: EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2010 - EU Selection Programs-Recommended Highlights-Video

To see what WPA editor Barbara Pasquet James does when not being spotted in exotic locales around the world, please visit her website ParisTALKS.com. 

Text and Photos copyright ©2010 Barbara Pasquet James.