Sofra Turkish Restaurant & Wine Cellar

Sofra Turkish Restaurant shares authentic Turkish food with customers – but beyond its food, there’s something inspiring each dish: opportunities to bridge cultural gaps. Co-owner, Chandra Johner — and fellow co-owner and husband, chef Yuksel Gultekin — lived in Turkey between 2003 and 2004. It was then the couple thought of opening a restaurant; of bringing flavours Yuksel grew up with in Turkey to Chandra’s hometown of Edmonton.

Chandra began by keeping a journal of ideas. It contained “everything I thought would be important,” she says. Soon, the book was filled with sketches, its pages showing ideas from interior designs to menu items. Above all, the book reflected two wishes – one, to have a successful local eatery and the second, “to bring something [to Edmonton] that you couldn’t experience here,” Chandra says. “As much as you want people to come and enjoy the food, there’s that atmosphere you’re hoping to bring with you.” From there, the pair worked to bring the atmosphere of life in Turkey to Edmonton.