IBO Vegas
IBO was born to fill the void of Turkish restaurants in the Las Vegas culinary landscape. Passionate, precise and an absolute perfectionist, IBO is a restaurant that stands for high quality recipes with an accent on healthy options with excellent choice and taste, all served in a friendly atmosphere with a genuine flavor of Turkish hospitality and culture. From original beginnings in Turkey, Ibo Olmeztoprak and his partners, Orhan Yuzen and Selmin Takmakli, are genuine ambassadors for their country and passionate champions of high quality cuisine.
The interior of the restaurant was designed by the founders, and offers a plush and decadent decor reminiscent of any contemporary Strip restaurant. Guests can dine in intimate banquettes in the restaurant, pull up a comfortable rattan stool in the bar, or eat al fresco on the outdoor patio in a city known for its numerous sunny days. The restaurant’s interior is richly appointed in colors and textures including deep maroons, exquisite floor-to-ceiling drapery, and Mid-century stacked stone. Tables are adorned with crisp white linens and fresh roses, symbolic of the restaurant’s intense passion for food and welcoming hospitality.
It is hospitality however, a lost art form in many establishments, that sets IBO apart. Ibo is bringing all that he has learned and perfected to the atmosphere of IBO. “Cooking with compassion, dining with delight, entertaining with enthusiasm, and hospitality with a heart” are all thoughts and emotions that IBO would like for everyone to feel each time they step in to the restaurant to enjoy an evening of great food and entertainment. If you’re looking for a restaurant with character and has genuine “characters”, then look no further than IBO.
Ibo Olmeztoprak
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Ibo Olmeztoprak
“If guests don’t leave excited for their next visit to IBO,
then we haven’t done our job and succeeded.”
Ibo Olmeztoprak was originally born and raised in Turkey and moved to the States to attend college in 1969. Ibo has been a long-time Las Vegas resident moving to the city in 1977 after spending time in the San Francisco area where he managed the Penthouse Nightclub & Restaurant and became the Director of Food and Beverage at the Sheraton Palace on Market Street. For the past 30 years, Ibo has worked the Las Vegas circuit of some of the finest establishments: Parian of The Regent Hotel and Spa in Summerlin, Les Artistes Steakhouse inside Paris Hotel & Casino, the Luxor Steakhouse, and Charlie Palmer’s Aureole located in the Mandalay Bay.
For the past four years, Ibo was the Food and Beverage Director and Catering Manager under Charlie Palmer at The Stirling Club at Turnberry Place. Ibo has given numerous seminars and hands-on training in the field of Hospitality, his very specialty, and is now bringing his zest and passion to his own restaurant for all to enjoy.
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Orhan Yuzen
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Orhan Yuzen
“Turkey is known for great food and hospitality… BUT especially great hospitality.
We want everyone to feel extra special at IBO.”
Orhan Yuzen is a native of Turkey and is one of the proud owners of IBO Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar. Orhan is the consummate businessman having served as the President and CEO of Yalteks (www.yalteks.com.tr), one of the largest waterproofing and insulation companies in Turkey and is also a successful restaurateur. Orhan’s passion for food began with experiencing different cuisines from around the world as well as New York City where he visited frequently. Orhan relocated to the Big Apple in 2004 and noticed the need for authentic Turkish food.
With his obvious upbringing, he opened a Turkish Restaurant of his own - Zeytin Restaurant and Bar (www.zeytinny.com) in Manhattan on Columbus Avenue & 85th Street (upper west-side). Orhan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as well as the heartest smile to the IBO ambiance.
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Selmin Takmakli
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Exec Chef Selmin Takmakli
“These recipes come from my family and are very special to me.
That’s why I cook with my heart and welcome sharing them with the world.”
Selmin Takmakli is the Executive Chef and one of the owners of IBO Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar. Selmin was born and raised in Aydin, Turkey and moved to Izmir, Turkey in 1980. In Izmir, one of largest cities in Turkey, Selmin opened her own restaurants, “Kosem” in 1990 and “Kosem II” in 1991. The name “Kosem” means “My Corner” in English. Selmin moved to Las Vegas from Turkey in 1997 to continue her culinary career. Selmin worked at The Regent in Summerlin where she first met Ibo, The JW Marriot Las Vegas Resort and Spa, and the Mandalay Bay.
Her latest venture prior to starting IBO was working at the Red Rock Hotel and Casino for two years since it opened in 2006. With nearly two decades of restaurant experience, Selmin adds a very special touch to the menu at IBO. As a mother of two and a grandmother of three as well as sharing true family recipes, guests are truly served “mother’s cooking” at IBO.
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Kendra
Finally a Turkish restaurant! The food and the service were really good. If you are staying on the strip it is a bit out of the way, but we were staying with local friends.
September 6, 2011 at 11:24AM