TEAM
Executive Chef
PAUL FARAG
Paul Farag, has gained a wealth of experience in his 15 year career, having worked in Michelin starred kitchens across Europe and Australia. As Executive Chef of AALIA, Paul has created a truly unique menu showcasing the diversity of the region and breaking the mould on what Middle Eastern cuisine is. Diving into the rich Arabic culture and history, has inspired Paul’s ethos in a way that shows an elegant representation of a culture centuries past. One that takes you on a journey through a selection of standout dishes.
GENERAL Manager
Ruaridh MacDonald
From his hometown of Wellington to prestigious venues in London and Sydney, Ruaridh has evolved into a seasoned hospitality professional with decades of experience. Ruaridh made a mark at esteemed restaurants like Spice Temple, Rockpool Bar and Grill, Mimis, Woodcut, and The Dining Room by James Viles, before joining Aalia. Ruaridh’a favourite dish is the Dry Aged Murray Cod, which showcases his reverence for dry ageing, quality ingredients and precise cooking. Ruaridh's sincere dedication to guest satisfaction aligns seamlessly with Aalia's values. With his expertise, passion for hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail, Ruaridh significantly enhances the guest experience at Aalia.
HEAD Chef
EMRE Kilic
A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Emre transitioned from a corporate career to pursue his culinary passion, deeply rooted in his upbringing surrounded by the flavours of Turkish cuisine, thanks to his mum. After enrolling in culinary school in 2017, he ventured to Australia, where he honed his skills in esteemed establishments such as Agnes, Monopole, and NOUR. Rising through the ranks from Sous Chef to Head Chef at Aalia Restaurant, Emre seamlessly blends his Turkish traditions into Aalia’s Middle Eastern menu. His journey underscores a relentless pursuit of excellence in the kitchen, driven by a profound love for food and a commitment to creativity and innovation.
Restaurant Manager
Adrien Bourda
Adrien arrived in Australia from Toulouse, France in 2014 after obtaining a masters degree in hospitality management. His career in hospitality started in Monaco, and here his passion grew in ensuring he provided impeccable service to all of his guests whilst working at a number of luxury hotels. Since moving to Sydney, he has worked at some of the best venues across the city, priding himself on his honesty and humility to make him a well-respected leader within the AALIA team.
BAR MANAGER
Bivit GUrung
Bar Manager Bivit is a long-standing member of ESCA having worked with us for almost 5 years. He originally hails from Kathmandu, but now calls Sydney home after falling in love with the vibrant bar scene here. A man of the people, Bivit always prioritises the guest’s experience and takes pride when people feel at home in the venue after experiencing one of his creations. Bivit’s favourite drink at AALIA is the Mandarin Americano, which he recommends to all guests alongside the beef nayyeh.
Restaurant Supervisor
vincenzo mea
A seasoned hospitality professional, Vincenzo has dedicated half of his life to the industry. Originally from Napoli, Italy, he made the move to Sydney a decade ago and later joined ESCA's team five years ago. Known for his charm and approachability, Vincenzo greets everyone with a friendly smile and loves to suggest the beef nayyeh paired with his go-to drink, the Arak Highball.
JOIN THE AALIA FAMILY
Join our team at AALIA and unlock the boundless potential of your career. We cultivate an environment that nurtures creativity and professional growth, forging strong connections with each team member to ensure their individual success. As ESCA is quickly expanding, numerous opportunities abound and we consistently prioritise internal talent. Explore the opportunities available at ESCA and apply today.