This study examines how Michelin-starred chefs represent themselves in digital environments and what culinary persona types they construct through these representations.The research is structured within the framework of Goffman's (1959) theory of self-presentation, Johnston et al.'s (2014) Culinary Persona typology, and the visibilityprestige theory.This theoretical structure ensures that chefs' digital representations are evaluated not only in terms of identity performance but also in terms of symbolic value and professional prestige production.A qualitative research approach was adopted; the official websites, online biographies, and the last 20 posts shared on the Instagram accounts of Michelin-starred chefs in Istanbul were analyzed.The data were analyzed through meaning-focused qualitative content analysis; the frontstage and backstage representations displayed in digital environments, professional identity presentations, and authenticity-building practices were evaluated.The findings reveal that chefs' digital personas feature different combinations of professional authority, creative forms of expression, local and cultural references, and lifestyle indicators.The study contributes to understanding the digital visibility strategies of Michelin-starred chefs by providing a conceptual framework for digital identity and professional representation practices in the field of gastronomy.
Batuhan Aktepe (Fri,) studied this question.