CELINI’S LICENSED CAFÉ & RESTAURANT
PRESENT - 2011
Celini’s has gone through a roller coaster of a ride since the establishment of Authentic Turkish Cuisine in its kitchen in 2003. Previously operated as a Greek café / restaurant, Gulay and her team of passionate individuals has managed to grow and excel in the industry as well as the strip in Marrickville. It wasn’t easy with many challenges along the way… The key to our success can be said to be LUCK, however along with all the decisions and choices made in improvising, innovating, changing and leading the main factor is and will always be the LOYAL team. Our food and service will be nothing without the dedication of key people whom have stuck by what we stand for through thick and thin.
We are extremely passionate about our food and service. This passion comes out in the home-style dishes produced by our head chefs Ece Karci and Hala. Each dish is prepared and cooked with attention to detail and taste and the quantity is never enough with the generous portions on each serving. Both chefs work fantastic in unison and always strive to produce new and innovative dishes using only the best quality meats, poultry, seafood and fresh produce.
Over the years Celini’s has been more than just a place of work for our customers and the team… It has been a place were ‘everybody does know your name’… For locals as well as the workers in the area… It is an absolute pleasure to share moments of happy occasions, births, jokes and knowledge as well as moments of loss and sadness. This reminds us of how beautiful life is no matter what is going on around us and within us…
Our work ethic is like a culture in itself. This is why we will always be on a level were all can come in and enjoy the beautiful flavours along with the hospitable Turkish atmosphere and service.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Becoming finalist 5 years running in the Inner West Small Business Awards, 2 years in the True Local Business Awards to finally winning the 2007 & 2008 Truelocal Business Award in the categories of best café / coffee shop & best formal dining, is an achievement in itself. The keys to our success is the passion and care for Celini’s, your team and customers. We have also achieved finalist status in 2009 and 2010.
TEAM
Owner – Gulay Karci
Gulay grew up in a family business environment. As soon as she was able to say ‘yes please, can I help you’, her career in the service industry began.
Hospitality was not on the agenda when Gulay began her career in business. She kind of fell into the sensation and excitement of organising great events for her first employer ‘Hakan’s Catering’; The dream was to develop a career in import & export as well as travel at the same time. However, a casual job in public catering became a passion in event management in turn leading to owning and operating a successful Cafe / Restaurant in Marrickville.
At the time, Turkish cuisine was known for and only the traditional kebabs, meaning meat rolled in flat bread with salad and sauce. How dull compared to the rich flavours of the many different kitchens in Turkey. Gulay aspired to change this perception and as a result Celini’s was re-born with a Turkish influence in the preparation and service of food.
Along with the traditional style and fantastic flavours of cuisine prepared in the kitchens, the aura of Celini’s is one of warmth and knowledge in the lives that are and co-exist each day with Gulay and her team.
Head Chef – Ece Karci
The back bone of Celini’s. Ece has been with Celini’s from the beginning, maintaining the quality and consistency of dishes prepared and served on a daily basis. Her professional outlook as the head chef is one she takes seriously and with pride.
Ece’s signature quality is her dedication to Celini’s, principles and work ethics. Her philosophy in life is the basis of fantastic flavours created on the menu which she always manages to excel in.
Head Chef – Hala
Hala joined the team in late 2009. From day one her contribution and dedication to the team and Celini's has been evident in her work. She has brought a balance to the operation and insight within the menu.
Gonul's signature quality is her sense of fairness along with her strong principles.
Manager - Buket Karci
The youngest in our team and my right arm...
Her dedication and hard work over the years has proven invaluable to our operation. She has applied her studies and external experience to the business, leading to successfully winning 2007 & 2008 Truelocal Business Awards in the categories of best Café / Coffee shop & Formal Dining.
Aside from her professional approach to her work, Buket’s warm and down-to-earth character has welcomed all walks of life into the restaurant and brought a unity within the team.
BEGINNING
We began our journey 5 years ago with our most popular simple side dish ‘bulgur pilaf’, different to your average white rice you find with most plates as a carbohydrate. Gulay was determined to introduce ‘something different’ on the plate and being one of her most favourite alternative to plain rice bulgur pilaf was a hit. Customers were sceptical yet adventurous; before we knew everyone was asking for the recipe and where they can buy the bulgur. Celini’s is one of a few Turkish restaurants in Sydney that has successfully introduced Turkish Cuisine in a unique and authentic style.
Becoming finalist 5 years running in the Inner West Small Business Awards, 2 years in the True Local Business Awards to finally winning the 2007 & 2008 Truelocal Business Award in the categories of best café / coffee shop & best formal dining, is an achievement in itself. The key to our success is the passion and care for Celini’s, your team and customers.
Celini’s is not only home for its team but many others who have supported the growth and changes over the years.
We endeavour the same feeling of belonging and fulfilment as our team does each day.