Mudahir AKDAÄž
Executive Chef
Müdahir’s journey as a culinary professional began as a teenager helping in the kitchens of Dionysos Village Hotel on the Bozburun peninsula. At Dionysos, he had the chance to work with one of Turkey’s well-known chefs, Didem Åženol, who he accompanied to Istanbul to become the head-chef at her restaurant “Lokanta Maya” - described as one of the best high-end restaurants in Istanbul by The Guardian and included as one of Istanbul’s most popular spots by Yotam OTTOLENGHI. Moving on from “Lokanta Maya”, his educational journey continued as head-chef at the well-renowned Istanbul restaurants: Aheste Pera and Kantin Nışantışı, owned by Turkey's most celebrated female chef, Semsa Denizsel.
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However, throughout this time his heart always remained on the Aegean coast where the quality of life was calling him back and his family roots were firmly planted. Müdahir returned with his partner Ezgi to establish ‘Kaftan’ at The Bay hotel in Kalkan with Fairlight Jones. ‘Kaftan’ rapidly gained a well-deserved reputation for being ‘the’ place to dine in Kalkan, receiving stunning feedback.
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In 2020, he moved even closer to home and together with Refik Korhan Demiröz, created Hoo Ga Burger & Wrap, a new generation fast food experience. The two entrepreneurs have mastered the understanding of combining taste with perfect service with more than 20 years of experience in the gastronomy and service sector.
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He is now here at Villa Florya to take you on a journey into his modern take on Turkish Cuisine