Thursday, September 25, 2025. Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York. —The Upper East Side of Manhattan became the stage for an evening that fused Turkish elegance with New York sophistication. Hosted by Avantgarde Refined Turkey and the Turkish Tourism Board, the intimate dinner took place at Casa Tua, nestled within The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel.
Beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m., the event welcomed a select group of guests to savor the spirit of Turkey through food, conversation, and cultural exchange.
At the heart of the dinner was a culinary journey. Turkish cuisine, known for its ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes, was celebrated throughout the evening. Each course highlighted the balance between authenticity and innovation, underscoring the richness of a tradition that has long been a bridge between East and West. The flavors — delicate yet robust — invite guests to pause, connect, and indulge in the timeless pleasures of a shared meal and choice wines. The Antipasti of Nut-crusted salmon, paired with lemon aioli and seasonal salad, opened the dinner, followed by an Insalata di Verano (green bean salad), which consisted of an array of fresh green beans, peas, fava beans, Buffalo Ricotta, and Pistachio Pesto. The main course consisted of Beef Tenderloin, baby artichoke, 48-month Parmigiano, Baby zucchini, Mediterranean Branzino, Prime New York Steak, and Prime New York Tagliata. Desserts, teas, and coffee complemented an otherwise perfect dinner; guests indulged in a choice of Casa Tua Tiramisu or Frutti di Bosco.
The guest list reflected both cultural diplomacy and genuine camaraderie. In the intimate dining setting, conversations flowed as freely as the wine, and the room buzzed with curiosity and connection. Guests had the unique opportunity to engage directly with prominent figures representing Turkish hospitality and culture. Among them was Emre Ismailoglu, General Manager of Turkish Airlines, whose lighthearted admission of his dislike for olives offered a refreshing glimpse of humor amid the evening’s polished tone. Also present were Haldun Dinççetin and Dr. Hilal Demirel Akgül, Attaché for Cultural Affairs and Promotion, both of whom personified the spirit of Turkish cultural outreach with grace and openness.
What made the evening particularly memorable was the balance between formality and intimacy. While the event undoubtedly served a professional purpose — strengthening ties between Turkey and the U.S. through tourism and culture — it never lost sight of the human element. Handshakes were exchanged, laughter echoed, and stories were shared, transforming the dinner into more than a networking occasion. It became a living expression of hospitality, a hallmark of Turkish tradition.
As the evening drew to a close, guests left Casa Tua with more than just satisfied palates. They carried with them a deeper appreciation for how culture, cuisine, and conversation can transcend borders. In a city like New York, where global influences constantly collide, the dinner served as a reminder that tourism is not only about travel, but also about creating lasting human connections.
Avantgarde Refined Turkey and the Turkish Tourism Board succeeded in offering a night that was at once elegant and approachable, steeped in tradition yet alive with modern energy. It was an evening that left an impression — not just of Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, but of the warmth and openness with which it continues to invite the world in.
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Follow Türkiye Tourism Board NY Official page of the Türkiye Culture & Tourism Board for the USA in New York linktr.ee/goturkiyeus |