HAKAN
ILHAN
FOOD KING OF D. C.
With the recent opening of D. C.’ s newest hotspot, Mirabelle, Hakan Ilhan is what some would call, a restaurant mogul. A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Hakan got his start in the restaurant business in 1997, opening two TCBY frozen yogurt locations, one at Reagan National Airport and the other street side. In the 20 years he’ s been in the industry, he has owned and operated more than 35 restaurants. He currently has 20 in operation with Mirabelle being his favorite so far. Working with worldrenowned chefs, Hakan knows how to do food. A recipe of good ambiance, mixed with great service and excellent food, will keep patrons happy, referring friends and coming back for more.
No stranger to high profile guests, his most famous is Former First Lady Michelle Obama. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Sonia Sotomayor are regulars at Ottoman Taverna. You never know who you’ ll run into at some of his trendy locations.
And what’ s next for this king of the restaurant world? He’ s launching a brand new concept at Dulles International called Café Americana( scheduled to open in late 2017). This new location will be the first thing visitors see when they exit the James A. Wilding International Arrivals Hall. Guests will be able to relax and enjoy a delicious dish or excellent glass of wine and be close enough to see their loved ones as soon as they exit security. Hakan’ s mission for this new location is for customers to remember his location and visit Café Americana the next time they are at Dulles International. His goal is to be the pride of Dulles and for visitors to feel welcome when they enter the United States through Dulles International Airport.
So while you are taking in the monuments and all that history has to offer in DC, be sure to plan your next trip around these top restaurants.
MIRABELLE
Mirabelle is a contemporary celebration of the American and French table serving refined fare from James Beard Awardwinning Executive Chef Frank Ruta and Pastry Chef Aggie Chin. Influenced by modern American hospitality, Mirabelle provides an inviting and sophisticated setting perfect for dining and entertaining in the heart of D. C.’ s bustling downtown neighborhood, just two blocks north of the White House( Patio seating offers a nice view of the White House).
The new concept showcases Ruta and Chin’ s approach to refined French fare and is intended to be a neighborhood gem and dining destination for any time of day. Chef Ruta played an integral role on the White House kitchen team responsible for serving the First Families, world leaders and dignitaries under the Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations.
900 16th Street NW, Washington, D. C. www. mirabelledc. com
Hakan Ilhan
OTTOMAN TAVERNA
Ottoman Taverna pays tribute to the empire that ruled a large swath of Eurasia for hundreds of years. Instead of forcing its way of life onto the conquered, the Ottoman Empire absorbed other ideas and practices to
FLYWASHINGTON. COM 44 SUMMER 2017