Secret Foodies hosted a Sultan’s Feast!

Secret Foodies guests tasted flavours from Jordan to Lebanon, Israel to Cyprus and the South East corner of Turkey at our Sultan’s Feast dinner last week. Our Levantine inspired meal was created by one of Sydney’s top chef, Simon Zalloua of Sefa Kitchen.

Australian-Lebanese head chef, Zalloua trained at Rockpool before taking over as Head Chef at Embers and now Sefa Kitchen located on Bondi Road.

This intimate restaurant is owned by IT-worker-turned-restauranteur Utku Ayhan. Utku is originally from Istanbul moving to Melbourne in 2002.  In 2012 he quit his day job to follow his real passion for food and opened Sefa Kitchen. Lucky for us!

Utku’s goal was to introduce Sydney diners to the dining traditions and flavours of his homeland and surrounding countries. Along with Zallou he’s successfully done this with Sefa being a regular hot spot amongst Bondi locals and in-the-know foodies around Sydney. It’s packed every night, so we were lucky to take over the restaurant for Secret Foodies!

As guests arrived they were handed a Beirut Mule, a Ketel One vodka based cocktail with Middle Eastern flavours.

We experienced share style meze dining with dish after dish being brough out, all full of flavour.

First we started with Beetroot, Bulgur & Feta and then Pumpkin Fatteh, Sour Yoghurt and Pepitas. These dishes were matched with Majestik Sauvignon Blanc & Sultaniye ’13 Aydin from Turkey.

Guests then enjoyed, Basturma, Hommus and Pickles as well as the Kingfish Nayeh, Muhammara and Puffed Wild rice. The Plato Chardonnay ’12 Denizli from Turkey was the matching wine.

Plates of some of the BEST Haloumi in town came next coated with Honey and Za’atar as well as some Fried Brussel Sprouts with Almond Tarator. This was paired with Guney Kalecik Karasi ’12 Guney Platosu from Turkey.

For our savoury dishes guests enjoyed the Lamb el Helou with Prune Sauce and Carrot Salad, paired with a glass of Magnesia Okuzgozu ’11 Denizli from Turkey.

Of course, there was dessert! Rose Water Berries, Sahleb, Almond Cake and Crumble was on offer for those who weren’t too full.

The experience Sefa Kitchen for yourself visit their website and make a booking.
Sefa Kitchen
292 Bondi Road, Bondi
8068 6461  
http://www.sefakitchen.com/