The Los Angeles-based eatery, Mama's Secret, serves Turkish breakfast, coffee, black tea, the popular baklava pastry as well as Mediterranean cuisine at the meeting place of Turkish celebrities in the U.S. As a family-owned business, Mama's Secret is run by Alican Bayar (above left), a young and successful businessman. According to the American entertainment website "Examiner," the cafe has been open for four years. Its owner told the Examiner that Turkish cuisine is very popular on the East Coast but is also gaining popularity on the West Coast as well.
The cafe's most notable customers include actor Çağatay Ulusoy (above right); CEO of the Turkish Basketball Federation, Hidayet Türkoğlu; singer and actress Sibel Kekilli and comedian, Cem Yılmaz. Mama's Secret Cafe; also hosts international celebrities from Lindsay Lohan to Tyra Banks. In his interview to the Doğan News Agency (DHA), Tapan, an UCLA graduate said that the direct flights from Turkey to Los Angeles have significantly increased the flow of Turks visiting the cafe. He said that even though Turkish celebrities typically prefer American restaurants and cafes, they are frequent visitors here to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The café attracts customers from Eastern European and Middle Eastern countries as well, and now Bayar says that he is planning to open a döner restaurant next year. "I believe that döner is the most delicious fast-food in the world. It must be introduced to the West Coast. We have negotiated with renowned chefs of Turkish cuisine," he said. Bayar also introduced Turkish cuisine to the television network ABC Family, which will be broadcasted in a program next year.
