By Heidi Trautmann

Catalköy, an old Cypriot village in the foothills of the Kyrenia mountain range, with the old olive mill right in its centre, today a museum, with the elders sitting in the village café discussing the weather and politics, opposite the old Belediye building, there,  just around the corner is the Café-restaurant At Monteo’s . A niche like a bird’s nest where you can rest on the terrace and let your eyes wander along the entire coast until they get lost in the purple mist.

Monica, Tevhide and Deniz, the cook, are the young team operating the place. Young is also the atmosphere, artistic and bohemian, with some art work by Muriel Clutten displayed, hand-made jewellery, lampshades made from calabashes, mirror frames made from driftwood…and Monica says…any artist who enjoys making art and crafts is welcome to have their work up for sale.

In summer time the bar is outside and I was told that their cocktails are just delicious and pretty to look at. I had a look at the menu card, a promising selection of dishes including a Turkish breakfast – I was told by a friend who lives in Catalköy and has taken her friends there – that breakfast keeps you happy for the rest of the day. The prices are reasonable.

A lovely place where you can sit with friends and discuss the beautiful side of life or you sit by yourself comfortably and read a book or write a letter, and I am telling you, no negative thoughts have room here in this small hide away.

At Monteo’s is open from 10 in the morning until late at night, that means as long as you feel happy the owners are with you.

You can reach them under tel. no: 0533 8825832