Finesse Gastro Gateway hosted an exceptional gastronomy experience in Antalya from May 22 to 25.

Paloma Finesse, one of Antalya’s most distinguished holiday destinations, brought together gastronomy, entertainment, and vacation through the Finesse Gastro Gateway (FGG) event held from May 22–25. Hosting world-renowned chefs and mixologists, this special event offered a feast for both the palate and the soul over four unforgettable days.

Held under the theme “Whisper of the Past,” FGG offered a rich program ranging from creative workshops to interactive tasting experiences, inspiring talks to captivating presentations — all designed to create lasting memories for participants.

A Four-Day Culinary Journey with Michelin-Starred Chefs

During the event, Puerto Rican chef Antonio Bachour — titled “Best Pastry Chef in the World” — captivated attendees with presentations that fused elegance and flavor. Three-Michelin-starred German chef Thomas Bühner inspired food lovers with sophisticated cooking techniques. Chef Juanlu Fernández masterfully blended French and Andalusian cuisines using seasonal ingredients, while Peruvian chef Jaime Pesaque showcased the power of local produce through modern interpretations of Peruvian dishes. Danish-Indian mixologist Hardeep Rehal added flavor to the event with cocktails created through a scientific lens.

The Stars of Gastronomy Shared the Same Table at FGG

The event began on the evening of May 20 with a welcome dinner crafted by Chef Murat Deniz Temel, featuring authentic flavors of Yörük cuisine. During this private dinner, attended by international chefs, Chef Temel combined traditional recipes from his roots with modern techniques — offering international guests a taste of Turkey’s rich culinary heritage. From goat’s yogurt to wheat-based dishes, the Yörük-inspired menu set a memorable tone for the festival.

Officially starting on May 22, the FGG program continued with a Chef’s Talk session over Antonio Bachour’s Tipsy Tea menu, followed by an opening reception featuring signature cocktails by Hardeep Rehal. The evening concluded with a grand opening dinner hosted jointly by Bachour, Bühner, Fernández, and Pesaque — and was crowned with a vibrant Back to Boogie party.

An interactive mixology workshop by Hardeep Rehal and a refined dinner prepared by Juanlu Fernández set the stage for a lively night, which culminated in a concert by Flapper Swing. Paying homage to the jazz era of the 1920s, the band brought period costumes and dancers to the stage, creating a time-traveling experience. The night wrapped up with the high-energy Glam Night Party and electrifying DJ sets.

One of the standout events was the “World’s Oldest Bread” workshop held in collaboration with Turkish Airlines. Attendees had the chance to try a recipe considered to be one of the earliest baked breads in human history. This unique session shed light on Anatolia’s millennia-old gastronomic legacy and offered both a historical and sensory journey — embodying Turkish Airlines’ commitment to preserving global cultural heritage.

On the final day of the festival, lunch was served with a special menu curated by Thomas Bühner. As the sun began to set over the Mediterranean, the Unforgettable Night began. In an open-air setting, Chef Jaime Pesaque offered a gourmet barbecue feast, while jazz pianist Kerem Görsev added an elegant and emotional touch with a romantic performance. The evening continued with a live concert by Zeynep Özyılmazel and concluded with a DJ set that fused dance and music — making the Unforgettable Night one of the most cherished moments of FGG.

Offering a rich program for all food lovers, FGG delivered not only Michelin-starred culinary experiences but also beach activities, cultural tours, and diverse live music performances. Reflecting Turkey’s creative potential in gastronomy, Finesse Gastro Gateway positioned the country prominently on the international stage — leaving participants with lasting inspiration and flavor.