Salt Bae Continues to Inspire Sensual Savory Art Around the World

The internet is still obsessed with Salt Bae, the hunkiest butcher around, who seasons his meats with a most sensual flick of the wrist. Two weeks after an Instagram video of this meat maestro went viral, he continues to inspire art around the world.

A portrait of Salt Bae, made out of salt — how meta. Not only are randos on Twitter paying tribute to Mr. Bae, his influence has even expanded into the world of sport. There might be no higher honor than professional soccer players acting out his famous moves during a post-goal celebration.

And a tennis pro finishing his shot with a celebratory sprinkle:

Salt Bae is not the chef’s real name. He’s Nusret Gökçe, co-owner of Nusr-Et, a steakhouse mini-chain based in Turkey. In an interview with the Hurriyet Daily News, Gökçe, who is the son of a mine worker and began his career as a butcher’s apprentice at the age of 14, reveals he wasn’t showing off for the camera with his suave seasoning. He’s just this amazing by nature.

“Actually that move at the end [salting] came automatically,” Gökçe tells the Hurriyet Daily News. “I did not do that to show off. It is just my signature. You can think of it a kind of final touch for a painting. It was a final touch to the meat; I was blessing the meat.”

Salt Bae’s fans in the United States will be thrilled to learn he’s eyeing New York City for a new location of his restaurant. Hurriyet Daily News notes his team is planning to open outposts of Nusr-Et in New York City and London “in the next few months.” There are currently six locations in Turkey and one in Dubai. Whether he will show up in the Big Apple to personally sprinkle salt on his customers’ dishes remains to be seen.

• Social Media Phenomenon ‘Salt Bae’ Nusret Gökçe Vows to Be World’s Greatest Butcher [HDN]
• #Saltbae Is the Sensual Food Meme of Your Dreams [E]