Top Chef Dinner Series Collaboration at AALIA

The incredible flavours of Middle Eastern food need no special event to shine. But this incredible collaborative dining series at Sydney’s renowned AALIA restaurant is set to elevate the standard of Sydney’s Middle Eastern dining scene all the same.

Everyone loves a collab. And that’s just as true for our favourite TikTok stars as it is for restaurateurs. The latest culinary collab that’s got diners clamouring for seats, is the upcoming top chef series at AALIA.

This celebrated Middle Eastern restaurant is set to host some of Australia’s best talent in the Middle Eastern dining scene. Chefs Tom Sarafian and Adam Wolfers will be bringing their own menus and shaking up the service at this sophisticated fine dining joint for two nights only.

Keep reading to find out more about this much-anticipated culinary collaboration.

About AALIA

Above all, AALIA is a celebration of the flavours and history of Middle Eastern cuisine. And since opening in March of 2022, it’s safe to say that it’s had an impressive first year in Sydney’s competitive restaurant landscape.

AALIA launched as the flagship of the renowned Esca hospitality group and has since impressed thousands of discerning urban diners, food buffs and tastemakers alike.

The kitchen at AALIA is headed up by executive chef Paul Farag, who brings an envelope-pushing flair to Middle Eastern classics to create a warm, sensory and invigorating dining experience.

The menu at AALIA takes a dip into the oft-overlooked rivers, waterways and coasts of the Middle East, creating what seems to be a distinctly Sydney take on this fragrant, regional cuisine. Variety is strongly encouraged and sharing — absolutely necessary. Perfect for the huge range of mezze dishes, luscious seafood offerings and large meat dishes to tackle with a team.

What is the Collaborative Chef Dinner Series?

The two nights of this chef takeover series will open AALIA’s kitchen to Tom Sarafian, formerly of Melbourne’s renowned Maha Bar and Saracen, and Adam Wolfers of Gerard’s Bistro, in Brisbane. Each chef will have their own night to strut their stuff to a restaurant full of discerning diners and work in collaboration with chef Farag’s team to serve up their specially-made menus.

It’s a chance for Sydneysiders to get a taste of these incredible, interstate talents in the familiar setting of a much-loved fixture in Sydney’s dining scene.

AALIA X Tom Sarafian

The first night of this anticipated collaboration on Monday the 10th of October will see Tom Sarafian take the helm in AALIA’s kitchen. This evening will bring the intense flavours and generous portions of a Lebanese springtime barbecue to the restaurant.

Guests will be treated to a vast sharing menu, featuring Sarafian favourites like his signature hummus with spanner crab and prawn. Other mouth-watering entrees include succulent barbecued mackerel with spicy zhug, the subtle delicacy of kafta nayyeh and more.

For the main course, guests will enjoy a hearty dish of lamb cutlets to share alongside a bold and bright serving of broad bean ful medames and fragrant smoked rice and saffron butter side.

Sarafian’s menu will finish on a sweet note as every good barbecue should, with a tangy and sweet yoghurt cake with yoghurt ice cream, pistachio and pomegranate.

AALIA X Gerard’s Bistro

The next chef collaboration on Monday the 14th of November will feature Adam Wolfers, head chef of Gerard’s Bistro, teaming up with AALIA’s Paul Farag to serve a unique combination of their kitchens’ Australian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Serving a more refined and traditional bistro menu, guests will enjoy a culinary tour of the incredible variety in Middle Eastern-influenced cuisine — from the hills of Iran to the vast Maghreb of North Africa.

This banquet will open with a zesty artichoke muhammara alongside spiced Hervey Bay scallops. Once the flavour starters are quickly picked off, guests will enjoy a savoury kibbeh nayyeh with fragrant red zhug, alongside broccoli tabouli and coral trout ful medames.

The main course is no less exciting, with a hearty Persian-style duck fesenjan stew alongside an Egyptian delicacy of baked aged rice.

The dessert course features one of Wolfer’s most celebrated sweets — a uniquely delicious take on the classic Golden Gaytime, crafted from carrot molasses and Lebanese ice cream, finished with sprinkles of crunchy pistachio.

Book Your Spot at This Awesome Culinary Collab

If you’re into the gorgeous aromas and incredible flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine, then this is not something you’ll want to miss out on! You can book your table for these one-off events through the AALIA website

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller through this amazing cuisine culture, or you’re keen to try something new and enjoy the fun and excitement of a special dining event, good times and bright flavours await you at this gustatory affair.

After a luxury label to wear to your next fine dining experience? Check out the booming world of pre-loved designer fashion.