Across a series of Tuesdays rising talent will be taking over the kitchen and serving up their menus.
From May 18, celebrated chef-restaurateur Shane Delia is shining the spotlight on four of the country’s top young chefs to showcase the evolution of Middle Eastern cuisine at Collingwood’s Maha Bar.
The rising masters of modern Middle Eastern fare – Ben Williamson (QLD), Paul Farag (NSW), Adam Wolfers (QLD) and Tom Sarafian (VIC) – will each take over the kitchen across four consecutive Tuesdays, serving a set menu influenced by their unique culinary styles and background, and personal connections to the region.
“This is a really special event that I am excited to bring to Victoria, it is proud Middle Eastern chefs taking the best produce and pairing it with brilliant cooking. It’s something that’s not to be missed.
“I was inspired by Greg Malouf, the original Middle Eastern cuisine chef, and am now honoured to highlight the rising talent of my peers from around the country, and to have them cooking in my Maha Bar kitchen,” Shane Delia said.
Each chef will present their own style with signature dishes and bespoke creations where classic Middle Eastern flavours are enhanced by the highest quality Australian produce.
This exclusive dinner series will kick off with Ben Williamson (Agnes, Bianca) who has created a menu inspired by his travels through the Middle East and its immense tapestry of cuisines. Williamson will be plating up dishes such as Turkish crumpets, southern calamari, grilled quail with harissa, and more.
Following Williamson will be Paul Farag (Nour), presenting a seven-course dinner on 25 May that draws on his Egyptian heritage and minimal-waste ethos, with dishes such as muhammara toast, duck crown fesenjan and basbousa.
Next up, on 1 June, is Adam Wolfers (Gerard’s Bistro) with a distinctive menu that honours his rich Jewish heritage and the best of Australian produce. Guests can expect dishes like dry-aged kibbeh nayyeh, short rib shawarma and his very own Golden Gaytime with carrot molasses.
Lastly, Victoria’s own Tom Sarafian (Little Andorra, Bar Saracen) will be closing the series on 8 June, combining traditional techniques and recipes with innovative touches, including his famous spanner crab and prawn hummus, fish fatteh and cheese maamouls.
Maha Bar’s drinks list will be on offer with an optional beverage pairing available for each menu at $55 per person. Expect Middle Eastern-inspired house cocktails including a Turkish Delight Martini, Raki Sazerac, and Anise Eastside.
Maha Bar Chef Series | Schedule:
Tuesday, 18 May: Ben Williamson
Tuesday, 25 May: Paul Farag
Tuesday, 1 June: Adam Wolfers
Tuesday, 8 June: Tom Sarafian
Timings: from 5:00pm
Price: $85 per person
Booking: via the Maha Bar website
Maha Bar
86 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
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Images: Diego Ramirez