ESCA Group today announces Adam Wolfers as the new executive chef of AALIA and AALIA Wine Room.
Taking its name from the Arabic word for “the highest point,” AALIA is underpinned by its commitment to elevated Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. Having been recognised with two hats and placed number 14 on the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list, AALIA’s food is grounded in a deep respect for Middle Eastern heritage, expressed through a refined, modern lens.
Ibrahim Moubadder, co-founder and creative director, ESCA Group, says: “We are honoured to welcome Adam Wolfers to the ESCA family. From the beginning, AALIA has been about celebrating lesser-known regions and the ingredients that define them and that will remain at the heart of our approach. I’ve been a long-time admirer of Adam’s work; having worked with him through our chef series, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply he understands the cuisine and I love his food. We are excited to embark on this journey with Adam, and welcome in a new chapter of AALIA and AALIA Wine Room.”
Wolfers recently served as group chef at Anyday Hospitality, and helped shape the culinary direction across the group’s portfolio of venues, including Agnes, Same Same and Bianca. Prior to joining Anyday, Wolfers honed his skills in some of Australia’s most respected kitchens, including Gerard’s Bistro, Est, Monopole and Yellow. Wolfers will work alongside AALIA head chef Emre Kilic (Agnes, Monopole, and Nour).
Wolfers says: “I’ve always admired what ESCA has built with AALIA over the years so when the opportunity to join the team came along, I jumped at it. My food philosophy has always been rooted in the connection between heritage and cooking so I’m eager to continue building together and honouring the essence of the brand. I’ve got a lot I want to bring to the kitchen, but I’m equally excited about what I can learn from the people already there.”
Wolfers’ international experience includes Spain’s three-Michelin-starred Quique Dacosta Restaurante, and Wylie Dufresne’s WD-50 in New York. Throughout his career, Wolfers also led a series of pop-ups titled Ételek. ‘Ételek’, which translates to ‘food’ in Hungarian, pays homage to his Eastern European heritage.
Wolfers’ new menu will maintain AALIA’s Middle Eastern and North African philosophy, developed in close collaboration with the AALIA and AALIA Wine Room team. AALIA’s new menu will be launched in the coming months.
https://www.aaliarestaurant.com
Image credit: Alana Dimou