By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Alongside offerings spotlighting lesser-known regions of the Middle East and North Africa (its smoked buffalo labneh with beetroot molasses is exquisite) Chef-hatted fine-dining Sydney restaurant Aalia has regularly enticed the epicurious; particularly through its Chef Series - an annual collaboration between top-tier kitchen talent from across the globe and the restaurant’s own Executive Chef Paul Farag.
In its third incarnation, this year’s partnerships will host three renowned guest Chefs - Ivan Brehm, Zackary Furst and Shane Delia - across four exceptional evenings.
The inaugural event will kick off with two nights as a part of Vivid Sydney’s Vivid Chef Series on June 11-12 and invite guests to witness the synergy between Paul Farag and Ivan Breh, the mastermind behind the Michelin-starred Singapore restaurant, Nouri.
With a culinary background spanning renowned establishments globally - including Per Se in New York and Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck - Ivan promises to bring a wealth of expertise and creativity to the proverbial and literal table. Diners can anticipate a five-course menu showcasing his diverse culinary heritage (Italian, German, Russian, Spanish, Lebanese and Syrian), infused with Aalia’s distinct Middle Eastern tastes.
Highlights from the menu include delicacies like Abrolhos scallop with whey granita and salted pear, brik pastry tartlet with sea urchin and malted stout onion and Wagyu nayyeh accompanied by roz muammar and Wagyu bresaola. Each dish promises a fusion of global influences and an evening of unparalleled taste and innovation, against the backdrop of the Harbour City’s most spectacular light show.
Following Ivan, the series will feature Melbourne-based Chef Zackary Furst on July 22. Renowned for his contemporary Australian-Polish cuisine, the former Attica Chef (who currently helms acclaimed cocktail bar, Bar Liberty in Fitzroy), will focus on unexpected flavours and refined techniques which showcase exactly why his status as 2022 Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year was so very well deserved.
The series will conclude with award-winning Maha Chef and host of popular cooking shows Spice Journey and Recipe For Life, Shane Delia on August 19. Known for his Mediterranean-inspired dishes, Shane brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to modernising ancient techniques, promising a memorable dining experience.
Paul expressed his excitement about the upcoming collaboration, saying: "Our commitment to exceeding expectations at Aalia drives our Chef Series. Teaming up with such talented professionals ensures that we continue to challenge culinary norms, offering our guests an extraordinary dining experience.”
Vivid Sydney’s Chef Series: A set menu will be offered for $200 pp with bespoke wine pairing curated by Group Wine Manager Eleonore Wulf, available for an additional $125 per person. The final two events of the series will be offered for $120 pp. Click here to purchase tickets:
