Thomae who gave a conference at EMU told Tourism students that life is an infinite road that must be enjoyed. Sharing his experience with EMU Tourism Faculty students Thomae highlighted that a good chef must be a designer and must carry out his/her job with great devotion. Thomae stated that he first came to Turkey 25 years ago, noting that he hasn’t seen Turkey’s hospitality anywhere else in the world. At the end of the conference that drew a large audience, Thomae was presented with a plaque of appreciation by Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç.
Who is Maximilian J.W. Thomae?
German Chef Maximilian J.W. Thomae moved to İstanbul, Turkey in 1993 after receiving education at Michelin star restaurants. Chef Thomae educated and trained the first Turkish National Culinary Team that was formed in 1990 and the first culinary school student, prospective chefs. As an international jury he has been supporting the development of the Turkish competition sector for the last 20 years. Along with his colleagues that love the sector he set up the Bocuse d’or Academy in Turkey. His latest projects include the renovation of Turkey’s first international hotel “Pera Palace”, Sezen Aksu and Kaya Demir’s restaurant “Frankies” and 5 star CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel in Gümüşsuyu. Maximilian J.W. Thomae is known as one of the founders of Modern Turkish cuisine. With his team he has developed new food and products. He has received the “Great Achievement Award” from TUSID for his contribution to Turkish cuisine and young chefs and the “Turkish Cuisine Development Award” by Rotary for his contribution to Turkish cuisine. International company television advertising doors opened up for Thomae whose level of fame increased after being chosen as “Best Chef” and “Best International Chef” in 2007 and 2008 by newspapers. In 2014 he joined Metro Group as Group Manager. In 2015 he was appointed as director of the “Gastronometro Culinary Discovery Platform”. Gastronometro aims to be a platform that carries out activities, educates Turkish professionals, shares information regarding culinary arts and international cuisine trends, talks about collaborations, develops products and hosts Michelin star chefs. In a short period of time it received an “International Stevie Award” for best video in the “Game Changer Category”. A Gastronometro crew member became champion of the Chaine des Rotisseurs-2016 Turkey Young Chef’s Competition. Maximilian J.W.Thomae has reached 50 with the Gastronometro Culinary Discovery Platform and is currently on his 25th year in Istanbul. Thomae continues to enrich the gastronomy and culinary arts sector in Turkey.
