Celebrating two successful years of their collaborative chef dinner series, AALIAfrom the ESCA Group announces the third chapter. Led by Executive Chef Paul Farag, AALIA welcomes Ivan Brehm (11-12 June), Zackary Furst (22 July) and Shane Delia (19 August) as the next three guest chefs to grace the AALIA kitchen for four unmissable evenings.
Opening doors to new ways of Middle-Eastern cooking, AALIA’s much-loved chef series aims to showcase up-and-coming names, chefs who may not have had exposure in Sydney, as well as industry trailblazers who complement AALIA’s ethos of challenging the ordinary.
The series kicks off with two nights as a part of Vivid Sydney’s Vivid Chef Series, with Farag and the AALIA team joined by Ivan Brehm, head chef and owner of the Michelen-starred Singapore restaurant, Nouri. The exclusive five-course menu is an amalgamation of Brehm’s unique culinary voice, with a mixed heritage of ltalian, German, Russian, Spanish, Lebanese, and Syrian, and AALIA’s distinguished flavours of the Middle-East and North Africa, for $200 per person.
A master of global gastronomy, Brehm has worked across the likes of Per Se in New York, Mugaritz in Spain’s Basque Country, Hibiscus in London and spent four years at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck before arriving to Singapore in 2013 to head restaurant Bacchanalia. There is no shortage of industry knowledge and imaginative techniques helmed by Brehm, combined with Farag’s ambition to push the boundaries of Middle Eastern cooking; guests can expect an unforgettable night of flavour and innovation. 
Highlights from the five-course menu include the abrolhos scallop paired with whey granita and salted pear; the inventive brik pastry tartlet with sea urchin and malted stout onion; and the richly layered wagyu nayyeh accompanied by roz muammar and wagyu bresaola. Each dish is crafted to blend Brehm’s global influences with AALIA’s distinguished Middle-Eastern flair, ensuring an evening of unparalleled taste and innovation.
“There is a reason our guests love AALIA’s chef series as much as we do. Our commitment to going above and beyond at AALIA is at the core of our chef series, and joining forces with such talented industry professionals is the ultimate way of ensuring AALIA is forever challenging expectations. It is truly something you don’t want to miss if you’re passionate about great flavours and are interested in an unseen side of our kitchen”, – says AALIA Executive Chef, Paul Farag.
“Collaborating with Paul and the team at AALIA is truly an honour. Working with Middle-Eastern influences, and complementing Paul’s style with my own unique style, will be a night that guests will never forget, full of unexpected dishes and delicious flavours” – says Chef Ivan Brehm.
Next in the line-up is Melbourne chef Zackary Furst (22 July). Head Chef of Bar Liberty in Fitzroy and The Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year 2022, Leon is now renowned for his take on contemporary Australian-Polish food, with modern influences and refined techniques.
After apprenticing at The French Brasserie and Metropolis Eating House, Leon worked at Embrasse and Brooks, followed by the likes of 
Attica, and Ides before joining the Bar Liberty team as head chef, now known for his innovative take on Australian cuisine with Polish influences.
The third and final chef in the series, Shane Delia (19 August), award winning chef and helm of Delia Group. Delia is at the heart of Australian dining institution Maha, with a nod to Mediterranean influences, Delia skilfully employs ancient techniques with modern dining.
Delia hosts his own TV shows Spice Journey and Recipe For Life, showcasing his journey of harnessing new Middle-Eastern flavours and honing his techniques.
Secure your seat at the table and embark on an unforgettable evening. Visit aaliarestaurant.com/chef-series to read more about the chef series and make a reservation today, bookings are now available.
Vivid Sydney’s Chef Series: A set menu will be offered for $200PP with bespoke wine pairing curated by Group Wine Manager Eleonore Wulf, available for an additional $125 per person. The final two events of the series will be offered for $120PP. Tickets can be purchased for the events via the links below:
- AALIA x Ivan Brehm
- AALIA x Zackary Furst
- AALIA x Shane Delia
