JEDDAH: Nusret Gökçe, Turkish butcher and chef best known for his uniquely famous salt-sprinkling move, apparently did not gain his fame genuinely through his unmatched skills.
Dubbed ‘Salt Bae’ online, Nusret had reportedly signed a deal with an American public relations agency to further promote his now widely-recognized signature, where he paid a total sum of $2 million.
The acclaimed “meatatarian,” who took the Internet by storm, paid a substantial amount to arrange a visit by Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio to his Dubai-based restaurant.
Additionally, the chef also paid for his cameo role in the “Narcos” TV series.
According to Uçankuş, a big number of celebrities were paid as well to make an appearance in Nusret’s Turkish “Nurs-Et” Steakhouse and showcase his trademark salting signature.
Italian football player Marco Borriello, famous singer Bruno Mars, the Golden State Warriors basketball team, FC Galatasaray forward Lukas Podolski, Brazilian footballer Matheus Doria, and many others had a share in the $2 million paid by the chef.
Ottoman steak pic.twitter.com/gXynE52EQE
— Nusret (@nusr_ett) January 7, 2017
In January 2017, Nusret became an Internet sensation after he shared a short clip named “Ottoman steak” of his flamboyant knife-work and trademark overarm salt-sprinkle, which got 14.3 million views so far.
Nurset’s fame has made it to James Corden’s “The Late Late Show,” and even Ben Affleck and Rihanna’s T-shirts!
The chef did not respond to what has been circulating social media about his, somewhat, PR “scandal” and only shared a picture of him enjoying his stay in the French capital of Paris.
His Instagram followers reached 6.5 million followers in a matter of months.
Will this newly exposed news damage the chef’s popularity around the globe?
