Is Chef Sertac Dirik Leaving Mangal 2? What's Next for Chef Sertac Dirik?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Aug 28, 2023
Who is Sertac Dirik?
Chef Sertac Dirik, currently 27 years old, is a dynamic and innovative culinary talent who, along with his older brother Ferhat, spearheaded the revitalization of their family business. Three years ago, they undertook the transformation of what was once a traditional ocakbasi into a modern Turkish culinary concept. Their vision was to reimagine classic Turkish dishes with a touch of whimsy and creativity.
Under Dirik's leadership, the Stoke Newington restaurant underwent a culinary renaissance, introducing dishes like Cull Yaw köfte, grilled mackerel with peaches, and börek filled with beyaz peynir and fermented wild garlic. These innovative creations garnered universal acclaim from reviewers and patrons alike, earning the restaurant a reputation for its inventive take on Turkish cuisine. Chef Sertac Dirik's dedication to redefining tradition with a contemporary twist has undoubtedly been a driving force behind the restaurant's success and its ability to delight diners with its unique flavors.
Is Chef Sertac Dirik Leaving Mangal 2?
Yes, Chef Sertac Dirik is leaving Mangal 2 at the end of October. He is bidding farewell to his long-standing role at Stoke Newington's beloved restaurant, Mangal 2, in pursuit of his own culinary venture. After dedicating nearly his entire life to the kitchen at Mangal 2, Dirik decided that now was the right time for this significant change. He shared the news via Instagram, highlighting the profound connection he has with the restaurant.
Having spent an extensive portion of his life within the Mangal 2 kitchen, Dirik expressed the weight of responsibility that came with his familial ties to the establishment. He described how the restaurant is not just a place of work but an integral part of his personal history, having grown up there. The decision to depart was not taken lightly, as he felt a sense of obligation to uphold the restaurant's legacy, recognizing that any failure would have far-reaching consequences for both himself and his family.
Why is Chef Sertac Dirik Leaving Mangal 2?
Chef Sertac Dirik's decision to depart from Mangal 2 is rooted in his desire for a new culinary journey and a more personal approach to his craft. He took to Instagram to share his intentions, revealing that at the moment, he doesn't possess a physical location or an investor for his new project. However, he does have a clear concept in mind, one that retains the essence of Mangal 2 but is infused with his personal touch.
The decision to leave Mangal 2 also appears to be driven by a sense of creative restraint at the restaurant. Dirik noted that at Mangal 2, they constantly pushed boundaries while catering to their regulars and local patrons. However, they had to balance innovation with the preservation of the restaurant's rich history, which required a level of self-imposed discipline. Dirik ultimately reached a point where he didn't want to compromise the inherent beauty of Mangal 2, and he felt that to explore new culinary horizons, he needed to step away from its constraints.
Who will Manage Mangal 2 Kitchen After Dirik leaving?
With Chef Sertac Dirik's departure from Mangal 2, the responsibility for the restaurant's kitchen will be entrusted to his Israeli sous chef, Amit Alafi. Alafi will take the reins and, while adding his unique touch to the menu, will continue to prepare the beloved dishes that have made Mangal 2 famous and highly popular.
Dirik expressed his confidence in the new leadership, stating that this transition was not initially part of the plan. Nevertheless, he believes that with Alafi and another colleague, Ferhat, at the helm, Mangal 2 will maintain its Turkish-leaning culinary identity and continue to offer subtle reinterpretations of classic dishes. While Dirik will still be available for guidance, it is Amit Alafi and Ferhat will assume the primary roles in running the restaurant, ensuring its legacy lives on.
What's Next for Chef Sertac Dirik?
Chef Sertac Dirik's immediate plans involve taking some time to let things settle after his departure from Mangal 2. However, there's a sense of anticipation and creativity brewing within him. Dirik is gearing up for a new project that will be entirely distinct from his previous endeavors, allowing him to fully realize his culinary ambitions. This upcoming venture represents a departure from the intricate balancing act he faced at Mangal 2.
In his own words, Dirik is eager to embark on the journey of opening his own restaurant, a concept that will be uniquely his own. This marks a significant step in his career, where he can exercise his culinary creativity and vision without the constraints of previous responsibilities. Chef Sertac Dirik is clearly poised to embrace the future and bring his own distinctive flair to the culinary world.
Chef Sertac Dirik Cooking Career
Sertac Dirik's culinary journey commenced at Mangal 2, a longstanding cult favorite in the local area, in its earlier incarnation. Subsequently, he embarked on a transformative experience by spending two years as a chef at the now-closed 108 in Copenhagen. Notably, 108 was once the Michelin-starred sister restaurant to the famed Noma, a prestigious accolade in the culinary world.
Returning to Stoke Newington at the age of 24, Dirik joined forces with his older brother, Ferhat, who manages the restaurant's front of house operations. Together, they undertook the ambitious task of reshaping Mangal 2 into the culinary gem it has become today. Dirik's career trajectory is marked by a lack of a rigid formula, reflecting his innovative and adaptable approach to cooking, which has been instrumental in transforming Mangal 2 into a celebrated dining destination.
Is Chef Sertac Dirik Leaving Mangal 2 - FAQs
Yes, Chef Sertac Dirik is leaving Mangal 2 at the end of October.
Chef Sertac Dirik is leaving Mangal 2 to pursue his own culinary venture and explore new opportunities in the restaurant industry.
Chef Amit Alafi, the Israeli sous chef at Mangal 2, will take over the kitchen and continue to cook the restaurant's signature dishes while adding his own touch.
While there may be some new additions and innovations, the restaurant aims to maintain its Turkish-leaning menu with a subtle play on classic dishes under the leadership of Chef Amit Alafi.
Chef Sertac Dirik intends to open his own restaurant, a separate project from Mangal 2, where he can realize his personal culinary ambitions and creative vision.