“Look into the sun, look into the day” – this is the literal translation of the family name of Michelin-starred and TV chef Ali Güngörmüş. The cooking school, alongside his two restaurants – Pageou and Pera Meze – is the final cornerstone. Here, Ali offers a group of passionate hobby chefs and food lovers a glimpse into his world.
A Culinary Space Full of Character
Stepping into the cooking school, guests are welcomed by a spacious dining area. A large table, suspended pendant lights, and twelve seats create an inviting atmosphere. The elegant chairs with Viennese cane suggest that shared enjoyment is about to begin. Yet attention is quickly drawn to the wall: a round, bronze-tinted mirror, 2.3 meters in diameter, commands the space and establishes the first visual connection between the dining area and the kitchen.
A barely visible door is cleverly integrated into the dark, wood-paneled wall, linking the dining area to the hallway. Just a few steps through the first rounded archway lead directly to the heart of the space — the kitchen. A freestanding kitchen island, clad in American walnut and topped with a stone countertop, immediately invites touch. The walls, adorned with deep azure circular tiles, reference the protective Nazar amulet — also known as the Turkish Eye — believed to ward off evil.
This interplay of clean lines and soft curves continues subtly throughout. A concealed mirror beside the kitchen wall reflects guests’ reactions, adding a dynamic layer of visual interaction. While the front of the space feels open and generous, the rear rooms offer a contrasting experience — more intricate and intimate. A narrow, arched passageway leads to the prep and dishwashing areas. Soothing petrol-colored walls create a calming retreat, yet the open transitions keep the user connected to the activity around them.
In the final, smallest room — just three meters long and scarcely a meter wide — an unexpected highlight awaits. Upon entering, bold paprika red envelops the space from floor to ceiling. A mint-colored tiled backsplash offers a striking contrast, while a chrome faucet adds the final, gleaming touch to this playful and dramatic composition.