1- Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from, and what do you do?
I was born in Istanbul and have always been drawn to the world of food and hospitality. I studied Business Administration at Sabancı University, followed by Restaurant Management at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. After working in the kitchens of Gilles Épié and Mehmet Gürs, I decided to carve my own path and created Wondercats, starting with hidden pop-ups in Istanbul.
A year later, we opened Markus in Maslak Oto Sanayi and from there, Tavern, Markus To GO and Jön Chocolate followed. Each of these projects reflects my passion for creating unique culinary experiences—whether through a carefully curated dinner, a perfectly balanced cocktail or a playful take on bean-to-bar chocolate.
2-What is your most unforgettable escape? (Could be a recent one, or could be long ago.)
My most recent unforgettable escape was last December to Tokyo and Kyoto.
3-What was the purpose of your travel?
It was Berfin’s 30th birthday, so we were quite a large group.
4-How many people did you travel with?
14 people. Did I mention that we were quite a sizable crowd?
5-Where did you stay?
We stayed in a city hotel in Shinjuku—it was super convenient.
6-What did you like most about the trip?
I fell in love with Japan’s culture, their respect for each other and their guests, their perspective on life and how impeccably clean the city was.
7-Can you share an unforgettable memory from the journey?
The Rock Museum we visited in Kyoto and the way the sunlight filtered through the red, orange and yellow leaves, casting a mesmerizing glow on us.
8-Your most surprising find during the trip?
You can actually rent go-karts from Mario Kart World and tour around Tokyo.
9-Favorite restaurants or food discovered?
Udatsu Sushi, Ginza Katsu, Katsudon-ya Zuicho, Fuunnji and Matsui for ramen and a random restaurant where we found the best Wagyu.
10-What are the must-tries in this destination?
For cocktails: SG Club and The Bellwood.
Tsukiji Fish Market, Shinjuku Golden-Gai for tiny bar hopping, listening and jazz bars, Akihabara, Ginza for architectural treasures of fashion brands and, finally, public toilets (yes, they’re worth checking out!).
11-Any hidden gems you could whisper to us?
Tiny wine bars situated in the middle floors of buildings, such as Studio Mule; Garageville for record enthusiasts; Archive Store and Hypnotique for the best vintage clothes.
12-Would you go back, and why?
Definitely yes! I want to see Japan during Sakura season as well—and, of course, for more food discoveries.
13-Could you list a few of your favorite finds that you brought back?
A handmade Japanese knife from Kappabashi, rare vinyl records from Disk Union, a selection of artisanal ceramics from Kyoto, and an impressive collection of Japanese snacks and sake.
14-Any tips that might be useful to know before going there?
Go with an extra empty suitcase—you’ll need it! Also, make your restaurant reservations at least a month in advance, especially for high-demand spots. The train system is incredibly efficient, so get a Suica or Pasmo card for convenience.
15-Next stop you would like to visit?
Mexico.
16-What do traveling and escaping mean to you?
For me, traveling is about discovery—not just of new places but of new perspectives. It’s about experiencing cultures through their food, their streets, their hidden corners and the way people live their daily lives. Traveling fuels my creativity, reshapes my understanding of hospitality and always brings me back with fresh inspiration for what I do. It’s not just an escape; it’s a way of expanding my world.
17-What’s your winter travel soundtrack?
“Hollywood Sunset” – Barry Adamson.
18-What about your latest read?
Edip Cansever – İki Satır, İki Satırdır.
No Comments