Maha Bar and Tulum host guest chefs with one-off modern Middle Eastern menus
Gemima Cody
Photo: Diego Ramirez
It seems that after a year of lonely lockdowns, chefs can t wait to get back to collaborating with their peers.
Restaurateur Shane Delia is about to launch a series celebrating Middle Eastern cuisine at Maha Bar, the Collingwood venue he opened to acclaim immediately before the pandemic struck.
Over four Tuesdays starting May 18, the restaurant will host chefs from across the country, including Queenslanders Ben Williamson and Adam Wolfers, both with history at
Gerard s Bistro, Paul Farag of Sydney s
Nour, and former
Seven silver linings from Victoria s lockdowns: How chefs and restaurateurs made the pandemic work for them
Dani Valent
Photo: Eddie Jim
It was the year that pushed the state s restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs to the brink. But bright spots have emerged that may change dining forever.
A year ago, a few weeks into our national COVID-19 lockdown, Victorian hospitality operators were already hoping to use pandemic-enforced disruption as an opportunity to create permanent, positive adjustments to an industry that has been notoriously tough on bodies, minds and balance sheets. A year and a couple more lockdowns later, the state is open, eating and – in some pockets at least – thriving.