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White Olive: The Fusion of Indian Entrepreneurship and Turkish-Greek Cuisine Takes New York by Storm

White Olive is a restaurant that emerged from a unique combination and was selected as the best newcomer restaurant of the year by The New York Times. Originally from Mumbai, India, Michael Karim Sopariwalla and his cousin Amin Himani, along with Chef Hasan Karcı and his kitchen team who worked for many years at Ritz Carlton, and the kitchen team with extensive experience on cruise ships and Turkish Airlines' catering company, as well as Yusuf Baba, an experienced manager from Royal Caribbean. They have been serving in New York with a concept of Greek and Turkish cuisine since December 2022.

Pera's Journey Through Palates and Continent: A Fusion of Turkish Delights in Soho and Madison Avenue

Pera Mediterranean Brasserie opened its doors in 2006, founded by Burak Karacam and Chef Sezai Çelikbaş. Today, the duo continues to lead the Pera team, operating two locations—one in Soho and the other on Madison Avenue. As Pera approaches its 20th year, it stands as a testament to longevity in the realm of Turkish restaurants, with only Turkish Kitchen surpassing the 25-year mark. While some Turkish establishments in New York City have undergone changes in ownership or closure, Pera remains steadfast. What is their secret? How have they managed to thrive for such a remarkable length of time? Pera Mediterranean Brasserie is more than just a business venture for Burak Karacam and Sezai Çelikbaş; it is a cherished part of their lives. They have wholeheartedly embraced Pera as their own, and the restaurant holds sentimental value akin to a beloved child. It begs the question: Is there something special about Pera that draws people in, leaving them compelled to return? 

Molyvos: A Family Legacy Transformed into a Timeless Fine Dining Experience

Molyvos, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of New York City, stands as a testament to the extraordinary legacy of the Livanos family. Dating back to 1957, when John Livanos embarked on an inspiring journey from Greece to the United States, the family's involvement in the restaurant business began. Starting as a humble dishwasher in Manhattan, he took his first steps towards success. In 1960, he made a significant leap by purchasing his inaugural restaurant. Years later, in 1985, the elegant Livanos Restaurant in White Plains, NY, graced the gastronomic scene. Immersing ourselves in the enchanting history of the Livanos family, we delved into a captivating conversation with Enrico Livanos, the third-generation representative of Molyvos. Adorned with ancestral photographs, each telling a tale of the past, the ambiance resonated with the essence of their culinary journey.

From Athens' Kitchens to New York's Plates: Vasiliki Vourliotaki's Culinary Expedition

Vasiliki Vourliotaki, a 36-year-old talented chef, was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She discovered her passion for cooking at a young age and pursued her culinary education in Athens. After completing her studies, she started working at a restaurant in Rhodes, Greece, which was part of a hotel. Initially, she began with simpler tasks like preparing salads but soon found her true calling in cooking on the line, specializing in sautéing and grilling. While there are no professional restaurateurs in her family, cooking has always been a shared love and talent. From her great grandmother to her father, mother, and even her brother-in-law, the art of cooking runs deep within their blood.

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