The opening of, Raffles Istanbul is the perfect embodiment of the 'new' face of Istanbul:  cutting-edge, eclectic and energetic. The hotel - a beacon above the Bosphorus and an oasis of calm and cool – is at the heart of the new and cutting-edge Zorlu Center, a modern-day bazaar where fashion, fine food and the arts converge on the European shore in Beşiktaş.

Nowhere more so will this be reflected than in the hotel's signature restaurant, Arola - by the Michelin-starred Spanish Chef Sergi Arola – described as “a rebellious, anti-establishment, culinary trend setter.  A proponent of authentic Catalan cuisine and, consequently, Mediterranean cuisine.  He is a cook with character who has found the best way of satisfying his constant need to create and innovate.” (Food from Spain)

About opening at Raffles Istanbul, Sergi Arola says:

“I have visited Raffles Singapore many times and had the pleasure of cooking there for the World Gourmet Summit.  It is actually my favourite hotel in the world, so to open an Arola restaurant in a Raffles hotel, in such a dynamic, hip and lively part of one of the most exciting cities in the world, a real intersection of civilisations, whose heritage meets the contemporary on many levels – is a true celebration for me!  Turkey and Spain share a common approach to the concept of 'the table' and eating in terms of not only sharing food, but also sharing quality time with loved ones around the table. This friendly, comfortable and easy way of dining is exactly how we want to make it. So to have an Arola restaurant at Raffles Istanbul is nothing but a joy to me.”

Sergi Arola's cuisine has a marked Catalonian and Mediterranean feel, stemming from the time he spent as a small boy cooking with his grandfather.  His food takes inspiration from traditional Catalonian recipes – such as mar y montana (surf and turf) – and specialities such as Baccalà or salt cod, one of Sergi's favourite dishes; and Pan con Tomate Fresco y Sardinas (sardines with bread rubbed with tomato) - plain, humble and delicious.     

Sergi Arola was born Barcelona and lived in Catalonia in Roses; the home of El Bulli, the restaurant where his mentor Ferrán Adrià started his career. As an adolescent he left home to become a rock musician (he still loves R.E.M, Foo Fighters and The Pixies) - and to sign up at the Hospitality and Catering School in Barcelona.  In 1995, he joined the kitchen of El Taller in Barcelona, Adrià's culinary research centre, learning and experimenting under his expert guidance.  He was then handpicked by Ferrán to work at el Bulli as chef de partie and assisting him in his studio.  He left to work for Pierre Gagnaire in Paris.

In 1997 Arola opened his first restaurant in Madrid, a city that welcomed his inspirational style.  Within a year, his small restaurant, La Broche, was awarded its first Michelin star.  It soon garnered 2 Michelin stars and the National Gastronomy Prize.   In 1999, the international gastronomical society awarded Arola the Prix de L'art de la Cuisine aux Chefs de l'Avenir – for chefs of the future – a title with which only the two greats of Spanish cooking, Martin Berasategui and Elena Arzak have been honoured.

His second venture, the eponymous Arola, opened in 2004 in Barcelona's fashionable Hotel Arts, offers a contrast to the elaborate, high-concept cuisine of La Broche.  Here small plates of tapas and classic Mediterranean cooking are the order of the day – as they will be in Istanbul. 

Colours, textures and flavours that come from the best ingredients and innovative culinary techniques; Sergi Arola has bought a breath of fresh air to food in Spain, sparking a change – one that has led Madrid to be considered as one of the world's most attractive gastronomic capitals. 

In February 2008 he opened Sergi Arola Gastro, with his partner Sara Fort, a small restaurant, in the exclusive Chamberí area of Madrid, with room for just 38 guests and four set menus, including the Gastro Menu and the cheese menu.  Just a few months later, their hard work paid off and the restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars.

The restaurant has recently been refurbished while the original menu remains. In addition SOT, La Vermutería de Sergi Arola (opened July 2014), is set on the ground floor and offers light bites and a wide selection of vermouths.

Since 1997 Arola has established signature kitchens in Lisbon and Penha Longa in Portugal, Sao Paolo, Santiago, Mumbai, Ibiza, Barcelona and Madrid.   

AROLA AT RAFFLES ISTANBUL

Arola at Raffles Istanbul will capture guests' palates with a menu based on Sergi's philosophy, of creative tapas style plates, that are ideal for sharing.   His signature dishes, such as Las Bravas de Arola, (Arola's bravas potatoes), or Calamares fritos como un clásico bocata de calamares (his famous Calamari 'sandwich')  will stimulate not only the appetite, but the curiosity, of Raffles Istanbul's most sophisticated guests.

Arola at Raffles Istanbul will be managed by a hand-picked team, headed up by two of Arola's most senior colleagues, who have worked with him, hand-in-hand, on many of his projects around the world.  Omar Mosquera, in the team since early 2011 will be leading the kitchen, while Daniel Lorenzo, Sergi Arola's Maitre D for several years, will be in charge of the front of the house. 

Sleek, modern design is as much a signature of Arola's restaurants as his food - and Arola at Raffles Istanbul is no exception.  Here the style has been imagined as a “feast of discovery” by The Gallery HBA whose studio in London specializes in high-concept, original design for the hospitality and residential sectors. 

The finishes and furnishings have been chosen to build an ambience of anticipation.  At the entrance, walls are clad entirely in sparkling mirrors, a glamorous start to the culinary journey. The colour palette of the 74-seat dining area mixes the boldness of Turkish black salt with lighter colours and deep lacquered navy blue, brass and red accents. 

Within the dining space is an oval column clad with stone mosaics in an undulating pattern, whilst on the ceiling, stylized Turkish cut-outs inspired by kilim tapestries are backlit to cast layered shadows across the tables.  And as a nod to the restaurant's Spanish influence, the Arabic style diamond patterns of the curved upholstered feature walls in both the main and private dining rooms are reminiscent of those seen at the Alhambra.

The 44-seat alfresco terrace wrapping around the restaurant has an elegant yet relaxed style. Fabrics in fresh pistachio tones are used on the dark reeded dining chairs and tables, while clusters of brass lanterns create a romantic, candle-lit glow.

Tarek Mourad, General Manager of Raffles Istanbul says:

“Sergi Arola's concept of modern dining chimes perfectly with Raffles Istanbul:  his food offers modern interpretations of classical dishes to create fresh and exciting plates and bringing people together – which exactly what Raffles is about, wherever we are.” 

For Further information:  Jane Corbett-Jones JANE CORBETT-JONES COMMUNICATIONS
T +61 (0) 417 772 783  |  jane@janecorbett-jones.com

Raffles Istanbul offers a new perspective on a timeless city, at the heart of the new Zorlu Center, a next-generation bazaar where high fashion, performance, fine food and the arts converge.  On the European side of Istanbul, the hotel has sweeping views over the Bosphorus and the Prince Islands.  The 181 rooms and suites - some of the largest in the city – all have floor to ceiling windows and private balconies.  The sleek modern interiors are embellished with a large collection of contemporary art, much of it specially-commissioned from local artists.  The authentic Raffles touch is personified by the legendary Raffles Butler Service, which currently extends from Singapore to the company's eleven hotels around the world.   The extensive Raffles Spa offers signature treatments by Organic Pharmacy and the rooftop pool has unforgettable views over the Istanbul skyline.  The hotel has two fabulous restaurants - Arola by Michelin starred chef Sergi Arola and Rocca with Mediterranean dishes and a Turkish influence – and three glamorous bars - the Writers Bar, the Champagne Room and a new take on the Long Bar, an Istanbul twist on its Singapore original, the place to be seen.

This is a new destination overlooking this ancient metropolis, above the Bosphorus, where modern luxury sits alongside heritage and culture.  A modern oasis welcoming the well-travelled to the most timeless of cities.    www.raffles.com/istanbul

About Raffles Hotels & Resorts:  Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a history dating back to 1887 with the opening of Raffles Hotel, Singapore.  The portfolio currently comprises eleven luxurious properties, from secluded resorts to city hotels in key locations around the world:  in Singapore, Cambodia, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the Philippines, Paris and Istanbul, each one is an oasis of calm and charm. The company is embarking on a new phase of expansion, with openings in key destinations scheduled over the next two years. With a compelling mix of cultures and styles, every hotel in the Raffles family has its own individual personality, with its own story to tell and its own sense of place.   However, each one is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. Raffles Hotels & Resorts is part of FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with more than 110 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands.  The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residence clubs, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. www.raffles.com