Christmas Day at Rafters Restaurant, Ozanköy
December 25th arrived and for many of us this is a traditional religious celebrat
ion but also a time to get-together with family and friends and exchange gifts. In the past, in the UK, we would often see snow on our houses and over our gardens which is how we view and recall a Christmas scene but this year, here in North Cyprus, the day was warm and sunny and, after an aperitif and mince pie whilst opening our presents, we made the short walk to Rafters Restaurant in Ozanköy where we were to have a traditional lunch and spend the afternoon with other like-minded people.
Rafters was buzzing with people already seated and starting their meals, the dining room was bedecked with festive trimmings and a Christmas tree and there was a log fire (
although we didn’t really need it with the beautifully warm day). Abbas and his staff were there to welcome us as always with smiling faces, a “Happy Christmas” greeting and a first drink on the house. We were then shown to our table ready to begin the festive lunch. The tables were nicely decorated with party hats, crackers, blowout noisemakers and party poppers so before long there were the bangs of the poppers going off and noisemakers being blown. In the background there were many of the old favourite Christmas songs being played which gave a nice atmosphere to the occasion.
So the lunch b
egan and first of all there was soup, followed by a choice of a starter then the main course choice of Turkey, Beef or Lamb, and trying to save enough room there was a further choice of 3-4 delicious desserts. To end the meal there was coffee, brandy and a mince pie. It was a lovely meal and the service was excellent and not hurried so there was time to talk or go outside
into the sunshine between courses or have a chat to some of the other guests.
There were quite a lot of familiar faces which is always nice and it gives people a chance to catch up with those they know and also to make new acquaintances.
Rafters did us proud yet again so thanks to Abbas and his staff for a lovely Christmas Day celebration.
By Margaret Sheard
