From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
The Middle East has long been considered the ‘crossroad of the world’ as it connects the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe.
While it is also regarded as the home of the Muslim religion, in fact more Muslims live in South Asia than in the Middle East and North Africa combined with the world’s largest Muslim population living in Indonesia.
Made up by countries such as Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE, there is so much more to the Middle East than religion, oil and conflict – the cuisines are extraordinary bringing food to the table such as tagines, falafels and kebabs.
This week we delve into all that is Middle Eastern from restaurants to put on your dining radar to knowing your spices, how to use them and recipes to try at home. Marie-Antoinette Issa talks to Sydney restaurant Nour’s new Head Chef, Ibrahim Kassif, who brings a wealth of experience in award-winning and Chef-hatted venues to the table.
As the former owner and Head Chef of acclaimed Stanbuli, Ibrahim earned praise for his homage to his Turkish-Cypriot heritage and is renowned for his creative flair and deep respect for traditional flavours. His philosophy of ‘simple is an illusion’ aligns perfectly with Nour’s ethos of elevating classic dishes to extraordinary heights. Don’t miss this interview!
With a journey that spans continents and culinary cultures, Chef Ido Zarmi brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the kitchen at Shaffa restaurant in Surry Hills.
Hailing from the vibrant culinary landscape of Tel Aviv in Israel, Ido’s career began humbly in coffee shops and eateries which sparked his passion for cooking and later propelled him into prestigious kitchens around the world.
He now finds himself on the pans at Shaffa where a feast for the senses awaits at the end of a narrow laneway, tucked between two heritage-listed sandstone buildings on Albion Street. This inviting Middle Eastern restaurant and bar is inspired by the fragrant, lively markets of Tel Aviv and Ido shares his recipe for Mediterranean ceviche bites with AGFG home cooks, which reflects the essence of his culinary roots.
With the warmer weather upon us, it’s time to head out – think roof-top bars, hidden gems, date night venues and where to get the best chicken parmy in town for a Spring fling.
We’ve got you covered! Read on…
