The words Tamam arkadaş are mentioned a lot in the kitchen during the day. Fortunately, because it means nothing less than; Oké my friend! To me these weeks were the beginning of some friendships where I gained a lot of respect for the culture. To experience the Turkish culture, eating habits and the manner of working was a unique experience for me. It is great to see that the younger generation is interested in the unknown and in the renewed European kitchen. Hopefully the following chefs and I can share some information with them. Thereby we will give them some tips about how we gain information and ideas. Of course internet is a good source to gain new information. For example You Tube and more websites are publishing films and photos with the latest developments. It is a big problem in Turkey that many internet sites are blocked for internet users.

Moreover, I will always remember the enthusiasm and proud of the boys in the kitchen and the service. Perhaps it sounds a bit strange, but even after a week of working with each other, saying goodbye is painful. In just a week time we developed a strong friendship. Therefore we will not say goodbye by only shaking hands (typical Dutch), but we will say goodbye with two hugs (Turkisch style).

My successor will arrive soon. Wilco Berends, chef of restaurant of De Nederlanden from Vreeland will fulfil the third week of the “Stars Closer Than Ever Cook Event”. Of course he already phoned me and asked what he could expect. It is difficult to inform him because he will cook on a different location with different chefs. Also Edwin Vincke of restaurant De Kromme Watergang will arrive this week. He will succeed Wilco and give an interpretation to the fourth week. We have an unique situation because three cooks awarded by Michelin are present this week.

Furthermore I wish the following chefs all the best. It has certainly been an unique experience at Gloria hotels & Resorts. If you love food, golf and nice weather I definitely recommend you to make a trip to Antalya. It is even possible to combine your trip with a visit to Istanbul, which is only a one-hour flight away from Antalya. The special event lasts for 15 more weeks!

From now on I will enjoy a week of holiday and perhaps I will assist Wilco on his first evening, nevertheless he remains my old chef (Merlet 2001-2003).

Güle Güle,

Onno
 
P.s. From next week I will inform you about the Ciel bleu meets…Down Under event. I will share some more details about the chef and menu. Furthermore I will give some more information about the event at restaurant Merlet on the 15th of June. They will celebrate their 25th anniversary. Therefore all chefs will cook together for one last time during this special evening.