In order to provide education at the highest standards at Le Piment Rouge, the following team members work in coordination and cooperation in a professional manner.
Ali Ünal, Service Instructor, Award Winner
Ali Ünal is a 1994 graduate of our Department of Tourism and Hotel Management and also holds a master’s degree from Başkent University in Ankara. Ali has won second and third prizes in the Turkish Chefs Competitions with the Bilkent Gastronomy Group, which involves the students of the department.
As the gracious host of the department’s Practice Restaurant, Ali teaches hospitality and courtesy through his own example. He teaches Restaurant Service in the Practice Restaurant and Food and Beverage Services Management courses. He is the academic advisor for students whose surnames start with the letters L, M, N, O, and Ö.
Ali has a passion for cars, motor sports, good food, and coffee culture. He has a Jack Russell terrier named Dolce, adored by all faculty and students.
Office location: RC205
Phone number: + 90 312 290 5022-5029
Email: ali.unal@bilkent.edu.tr
Elif Denizci, Chef Instructor, Award Winner
Elif Denizci has a degree from Gazi University, where she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. studies and writing a thesis on sustainable food preparation. She is a celebrity in Turkey, known for her gastronomy and culinary culture programs on TRT TV, and a winner of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ 2009 National Young Commis Rôtisseurs Competition. Before joining Bilkent University, Elif was assistant to the executive chef at the Sheraton Ankara Hotel and Convention Center. As Chaîne des Rôtisseurs vice-conseiller culinaire of the bailliage, Region d’Ankara, and board member of Turkish Culinary Federation, Elif participates in national and international Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competitions as a judge.
Elif teaches International Cuisines at Le Piment Rouge. Besides providing instruction in basic knife skills, she teaches the fundamentals of culinary skills and the techniques, procedures, and principles involved in preparing various types of foods from all over the world in the context of a weekly international menu served to guests in the department’s Practice Restaurant. Her course offers a comprehensive culinary education that is derived from a sound understanding of the hospitality industry.
She serves as academic advisor to students whose surnames start with the letters U, Ü, and V.
Elif is also the mother of Maya.
Office location: RC206
Phone number: + 90 312 290 5017-5229
Email: elif.denizci@bilkent.edu.tr
Yaşar Bülent Karaoğlu, Part-time Chef Instructor, Award Winner
Bülent Karaoğlu is a 2011 graduate of the Department of Tourism and Hotel Management. He is an award winner. Bülent won the second prize in the Turkish Chefs Competition in the area of Modern Turkish Cuisine with the Bilkent Gastronomy Group.
Bülent is the part-time chef instructor for Food Production Techniques. He teaches the fundamentals of culinary.
Bülent has passion for sailing and mountain hiking. He is a mountain hiking guide and an active participant in sailing competitions.
Office location: RC109
Phone number: + 90 312 290 5029
Email: kbulent@bilkent.edu.tr
Neşe Savaşçın, Purchasing Clerk
Neşe Savaşçın is a 2000 graduate of the School of Tourism and Hotel Services. Since then, she has been working as a purchasing clerk at Le Piment Rouge Restaurant.
Neşe has passion for photography, yoga and trekking. She is also interested in alternative medicine, reflexology, massage therapy, and acupressure.
Office location: RC109
Phone number: + 90 312 290 5029
Email: snese@bilkent.edu.tr