Turkey is a Muslim country and Turkish people do not celebrate Christmas as such. Many people put up trees, not for Christmas but to celebrate New Year’s Eve. It has been a long tradition that ‘Noel Baba’ brings gifts to children on New Year’s Eve.

Saint Nicholas - Santa Claus or Father Christmas in western culture - is said to have been born sometime around 280AD in Patara, near Myra, today in Turkey. Eventually becoming Bishop of Myra, Nicholas was known for his generous gifts to the poor.

For the Bailliage’s “End of Year” Gala celebration about 90 Chaîne members and their guests gathered at Nirvana Cosmopolitan hotel. A ‘grand’ Christmas tree at the entrance, Christmas lights all over, warm wine, cocktails, live music performed by three beautiful ladies in red Christmas dresses. What a glorious way to celebrate the end of a year whilst warmly welcoming a brand new one.

We felt spoiled like little children, not by ‘Noel Baba’ but by the fantastic team of the Nirvana Cosmopolitan hotel. The whole ambiance, wonderful service and all the delicious courses with paired wines were more than we could have asked of ‘Noel Baba’.

One of our Chaîne table rules is the request to switch off mobile phones. Health workers are exempt from this requirement. In fact, the lovely couple with whom we shared our table are both obstetricians and they never (ever!) switch their phones off.

Just as well because the unborn baby of one of Chevalier Dr Ayhan Yılmaz’s patients decided at that moment to make an impressive entrance into our world!

Accordingly, Dr Ayhan immediately excused himself and rushed to the hospital which is near the hotel. To our surprise he quickly returned just in time to enjoy the third course. Ayhan explained that the baby’s parents looked surprised on seeing him in his fancy tuxedo. He joked by saying, “I only dress up like this for my special patients!” [Ed. We are happy to have been allowed to share the wonderful picture with all of you.]

Executive Chef Bahattin Karataş worked together with Executive Chef Muhammet Banko (from the Nirvana Mediterranean Excellence) and Executive Chef Kerim Koca (from the Nirvana Dolce Vita) to deliver a menu conceived by Michelin-starred Chef Fabrice Canelle.

MENU

Coconut filled with seafood
flavoured by Champagne emulsion sauce
truffle milk foam
Doluca DLC Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Alaska king crab tartare
satsuma mayonnaise, beetroot gel
micro coriander sprinkled with lemon skin dust
Sobran Nebblush 2020

Risotto with porcini
roasted cashews, thyme
grated French winter truffles
Tafali’s Kalecik Karası 2020

“Pastille”
Pomegranate Vodka, Maldon salt

Grilled lamb loin
asparagus, celery puree, carrot puree
pumpkin ring, basil oil
yuzu mustard sauce, grated chestnuts
Likya Vineyards Syrah 2019

Bitter chocolate terrine
caramel ice cream, salted caramel sauce
mango drops
Suvla Tatlı Tatlı Solaris 2018

"Mignardises"
Rose water marshmallows

At the end of the evening Certificates of Recognition were presented to the kitchen and service brigades. This is normally only done by a Bailliage officer accordingly Bailli Nihat Tümkaya made the presentations. Apart from one, as in recognition of the wondrous happening Bailli Nihat invited Chevalier Dr Ayhan to present the certificate to the Head Waiter.

What a wonderful evening it was to celebrate the arrival of the New Year and of course the new born child!

Vive la Chaîne!

Leonie Kılıç
Vice-Chancelier