Dutch-born Grand Officier Maître Rôtisseur Rudolf van Nunen has a long international pedigree as a Chef at premier establishments. It stretches from several senior posts in the USA, to the Swissôtels in Bangkok and Istanbul, then developing a groundbreaking restaurant concept in Greece. Joining the Kempinski in Budapest for a year he transferred to the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul before being recruited by Miele in the Netherlands as Culinary Director with the mission of setting up the Miele Culinary Institute.

Türkiye attracted him once again with a three-year stint as Corporate Executive Chef for the Marmara Collection, followed by 10 Karaköy Hotel Istanbul during which time he was an Instructor Chef at Izmir Economy University/Faculty of Gastronomy.

In 2017 he created “Atelier Rudolf” providing sustainable, organic produce including a vineyard has been established with heirloom grape cultivars.

From 2018-2019 he was Executive Chef at Narcissus Hotel & Spa in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Since 2021 he is Executive Chef of Şans Restaurant. Established in 1992 in a villa in Levent, the business and residential centre of Istanbul, under Rudolf’s leadership Şans serves contemporary Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine to its guests with a modern-day presentation. Şans service approach is based on 100% customer satisfaction.

Rudolf said, “I provide positive work inspiration based on global culinary knowledge. From my experience I understand that positive emotion is created by excellent customer interaction. Give a cut above guest expectations consistently. Yes is the first answer, then work to create it.”

It has been observed that dining with Rudolf is a travel through emotions. Complex flavours come with a stylised appearance. Smells and taste remain poised in time, like souls or smoke in the breeze, ready to remind one of life and living.

Rudolf proudly commented, “Complexity of flavours and aromas ignite the imagination and become an exciting menu. I aspire to new levels of gastronomy pleasures.”

Şans Restaurant is proud to be listed again among the best restaurants in the Michelin Guide 2024. Expressing his gratitude, Rudolf commented, “We are grateful to all our team members who have been a part of the successful journey. Many thanks for our suppliers who have been delivering the best ingredients and products, and sincere thanks to all our guests and dear friends for their continuous support.”

Photos principally courtesy of Şans Restaurant

Şans
Haci Adil Cad. Palmiye St. No:1
Levent
Beşiktaş
İstanbul 34330

Tel: +90 (212) 280 38 38
Web: sansrestaurant.com