ALI ALTUNTAS

CULPEPER ’ S RESTAURANT , Chilston Park Hotel

What led to you becoming a chef ?

I have known for a very long time that I have wanted to be a chef ; even from a really young age , it has been what I have wanted to do . When I was younger and at school we had a chef come in and visit and as soon as I saw him I knew that is what I wanted to be ; I saw him as a ‘ captain ’ figure . I remember going home and telling my mum “ when I grow up I want to be a chef ”.

Where did you train ?

I am originally from Ankara in Turkey , so my training began back in 2002 at Sabanci lisesi College in Marmaris . I was lucky enough to gain invaluable experience working underneath and alongside a number of talented chefs , particularly Ismail Kaya who was the head chef at the time at a prestigious restaurant in Turkey .

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