AALIA’S chef series: SEASON III
This is the third instalment of Paul Farag & Friends, where world-renowned chefs join Executive Chef Paul Farag for an exclusive, one-of-a-kind dinner.
Our aim in this series is to present Middle Eastern cuisine in an innovative and captivating manner, by blending techniques and traditions with other cuisines. Embracing ESCA's philosophy of "challenging the ordinary," we have invited esteemed chefs to join forces with Paul Farag, infusing Middle Eastern flavours into their distinctive cooking styles and dishes, resulting in an extraordinary fusion, unlike no other.
ZACKARY FURST
MONDAY 22ND JULY 2024
Next in the series is renowned head chef and co-founder of Melbourne's acclaimed cocktail bar, Bar Liberty in Fitzroy, Zackary Furst, who’s joining Chef Paul Farag for a one-off collaborative dinner at AALIA on Monday 22nd July.
Trained under esteemed chefs like Gabriel Martin and Nic Poleart, Furst has garnered acclaim for his contemporary Australian-Polish cuisine. His accolades include the 2022 Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year Award, after notable stints at renowned establishments like Attica and Ides. Guests can expect an exciting fusion of Australian-Polish and Middle Eastern cuisine, presented in a multi-course sharing menu for $120 per person.
PAST EVENTS
ivan brehm
TUESDAY 11TH & WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE 2024
For two exclusive nights, Chef Ivan Brehm will join Chef Paul Farag and the team at AALIA. Ivan Brehm is renowned for his pioneering 'crossroads cooking' at the acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant Nouri and the creative interdisciplinary space, Appetite in Singapore. He honed his skills in some of the world’s most vaunted kitchens including Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York, Andoni Luis Aduriz’s Mugaritz in San Sebastian, and Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck.
Ivan’s cuisine reflects his diverse background, constantly evolving from experiences and travels, making him an ideal guest chef at AALIA. Experience the synergy of two visionary chefs as they showcase a standout four-course collaborative menu, that celebrates the rich tapestry of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, for $200 per person. This exclusive event is held in partnership with Vivid.
SEASON II
ALAN GEAAM - sold out
TUESDAY 24TH & WEDNESDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2023
Esteemed Lebanese Parisian chef Alan Geaam is collaborating with Paul Farag for two nights this October. Experience French gastronomy with Lebanese influences in a collaborative four-course menu, featuring some of Alan's signature dishes, for $220 per person, with the option to add a bespoke wine pairing. Alan, the only Lebanese-origin chef with a Michelin star in Paris, embodies ESCA's mission of pushing boundaries and challenging the ordinary, making this the perfect conclusion to Season II of AALIA’s Chef Series.
DAVE VERHEUL - sold out
MONDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2023
With a well-established reputation in Melbourne's vibrant hospitality scene, Verheul is best known as the Executive Chef of renowned establishments such as Town Mouse, Embla, and Lesa. His culinary style captivates diners with his innovative approach to simple ingredients. It is this shared philosophy and uncomplicated approach to food that aligns Verheul perfectly with Paul Farag and is why you won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind dinner for $120pp at AALIA.
KHANH NGUYEN - sold out
MONDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2023
Ex-SUNDA Dining & ARU Restaurant Executive Chef Khanh Nguyen collaborated with Paul Farag on September 11th. His unique creations embody a seamless blend of fine dining finesse, Australian-Vietnamese heritage, and a deep appreciation for native Australian ingredients. A standout menu which infused with Middle Eastern and Australian-Vietnamese cuisines.
MARK BEST - SOld out
MONDAY 24TH JULY 2023
Known for his groundbreaking work at Sydney's renowned Marque restaurant, Mark Best is brought his forward-thinking approach to the kitchen at AALIA, for a collaborative dinner with Paul Farag. Fuelled by their shared passion for pushing boundaries, guests enjoyed a unique menu, that challenged perceptions of Middle Eastern cuisine.
SEASON I
Coskun Uysal - SOLD OUT
MONDAY 20TH MARCH 2023
Coskun, Executive Chef of Melbourne's best Turkish restaurant, Tulum, joined Paul Farag in March for a collaborative dinner that explored and celebrated the similarities and differences between Turkish and Middle Eastern cooking.
Over $10k was raised from the event and was donated to Abhap, an organisation that provides relief for those affected by the devastation in Turkey.
ben williamson - SOLD OUT
MONDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2023
Paul was joined by Ben Williamson of Brisbane-based restaurant Agnes. The chefs delivered a collaborative menu that combined their love for ancient Middle Eastern and wood-fired cooking. Showcasing signature dishes such as Ben’s harissa quail, kishk and curry leaves and Paul's eggplant mes ‘a’ aha, spiced tomato and Khorasan pita.
Adam Wolfers - SOLD OUT
MONDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2022
Executive Chef of Brisbane’s Gerards Bistro and longtime friend Adam Wolfers joined Paul for a collaborative dinner that combined Middle Eastern and Hungarian cuisine, in November 2022.
Tom sarafian - SOLD OUT
MONDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2022
For one night only, esteemed Chef Tom Sarafian took over the kichen at AALIA to present a Lebanese spring BBQ feast, that featured many of his signature Sarafian products, including Tom Sarafian Hummus and Harissa.