TH E C HEF
FRESH & SIMPLE CREATIONS Chef Batuhan Piatti has a wealth of experience within the F&B sector, including starring in his own travel and cooking TV show, Hayat Batuhan’a Güzel (Life is Beautiful for Batuhan) and being one of the first judges on Turkish MasterChef. Here, he takes us through his latest role as Cluster Director of Culinary at Raffles The Palm Dubai
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nspired by his Turkish father and Italian mother, Chef Batuhan expertly shaped the culinary direction of international venues operated by the Billionaire Life Group at locations including Sardinia, Dubai, London, Monaco and Riyadh. Expect an eclectic range of menus at Raffles The Palm Dubai, where the chef will oversee all culinary experiences at Matagi, the Itameshi fusion restaurant, SOLA, Le Jardin, Raffles Club Lounge, the high-energy beach restaurant PIATTI, and Raffles Patisserie - where Chef Batuhan will be supported by his protégé Chef Gianluca Guinzoni, from the renowned Pasticcerie Cova in Monte Carlo. Batuhan is also leading the food and beverage scene at the newly opened Hyde Hotel Dubai.
I was not really a student made for a scientific high school. When I realized it, I decided to move to culinary at a very young age as I always had an interest in spending time in the kitchen. I had a chance to start my career at Four Seasons Hotel Milano back in 1999, where I was trained by one of the most famous chefs, “Golden Spoon” award winner chef Sergio Mei. Besides my idol, he became my mentor and guided me through my career. With his assistance and reference, I had a chance to open and work in five-star hotels and the most prestigious restaurants in Italy and around the world.
How would you describe your cooking style? It’s quite simple. I focus on freshness, taste and simplicity.
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The Pro Chef Middle East / Edition 56
Photographs SUPPLIED
How did you get into the culinary field?