Miserable reviews, sexual harassment lawsuit: Controversial golden steak chef Salt Bae has to close New York’s noble bar

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His gestures are world famous. Nusret Gökçe is seen twisting his arm and sprinkling some salt on a sliced ​​steak in many videos and photos on social media. The trained butcher likes to embellish pieces of meat with gold to emphasize the noble quality of the dish. Known on social media, Turkish chef Salt Bae knows how to present himself as an entertainer. This made him famous and helped him build his gastro empire. The 39-year-old owns more than 20 restaurants.

The chain is now poorer with one location. According to various media reports, Gökçe closed the Salt Bae Burger restaurant in Manhattan just three years after opening. Launched in the midst of the Corona pandemic in February 2020, Salt Bae served hamburgers prepared with expensive food at the restaurant. I had a gold flake wagyu beef burger for $100. And for a dollar less, guests can treat themselves to a milkshake—gold plated too, of course.

Salt Bae Burger has been a regular fail from local food critics. “The Gothamist” described the restaurant as the worst restaurant in all of New York. Online magazine “Eater New York” wrote that the store has “the charm of an airplane hangar.” The Salt Bae Burger restaurant that Gökçe opened in Dubai in 2019 will continue its activities.

“Climate of fear” in restaurants popular with sports heroes

The main business of the Insta chef is the steakhouse chain Nusr-Et. Its restaurants spread all over the world are especially popular with sports stars. Roger Federer has already guested, as have Lionel Messi and FIFA boss Gianni Infantino. In early 2019, the then-retired football player Franck Ribery was sentenced to death by a gold leaf-covered tomahawk steak. His employer at the time, FC Bayern Munich, fined the Frenchman heavily after he flew to Dubai to celebrate the new year with a golden steak.

After the 2022 World Cup final, Gökçe, who made a great impression in the media about Salt Bae, infiltrated the field to celebrate with the victorious Argentina national team and to take a photo with the World Cup trophy. In fact, outsiders are not allowed to step on the grass during or after a World Cup match.

Last April, the golden steak chef also made negative headlines away from the gossip press. “Business Insider” reported the “climate of fear” that is said to prevail in Turkish restaurants. Former employee allegations range from salary theft to sexual harassment. Several lawsuits were filed against the restaurant operator in the US. Some transactions are still in progress. A lawyer for Gökçe told Business Insider: “The allegations are actually nothing more than a repetition of old legal disputes in which the allegations were discussed and have already been resolved.” (moon)

Source :Blick