In a delightful announcement, the family-owned boutique winery, Avani Wines, has declared the return of its much-loved Summer Dining Pop-Up Sessions. The enchanting events will take place at their picturesque Mornington Peninsula cellar door, nestled in the idyllic surrounds of Red Hill. Running for an exclusively limited three-week season, this year’s series promises a culinary extravaganza with a lineup of renowned chefs.
Avani Wines is set to collaborate with both returning and new notable chefs, bringing a fusion of flavours inspired by the Indian Sub-Continent and the Middle East. The carefully crafted menus are designed to complement Avani’s unique minimal intervention wines, offering an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Starting on December 26, the Summer Sessions will feature four different guest chefs, each taking over the kitchen for a designated period. The lineup includes the husband and wife team Saavni and Aditya from Saadi, Middle Eastern culinary creative Tom Sarafian, and the innovative duo Harry Mangat and Sandy Soerjadhi from Biji Dining. Biji Dining will also join forces with Kyle Nicol from Lilac Wine Bar for a special one-off feast on January 14.
Avani winemaker Rohit Singh expressed his excitement about the Summer Series, stating, “We are really excited to host an amazing line-up of chefs this year—they are bringing flavours from across the sub-continent and the Middle East, some familiar things and some new things—it’s going to be epic.”
The schedule for each pop-up is as follows:
- Saadi pop-up | Tuesday, December 26, to Sunday, December 31 ($80pp)
- Tom Sarafian pop-up | Tuesday, January 2, to Sunday, January 7 ($95pp)
- Biji Dining | Tuesday, January 9, to Saturday, January 13 ($95pp)
- Biji Dining X Kyle Nicol (Lilac Wine Bar) | Sunday, January 14 ($115pp)
Each dining experience will feature a specially curated four-course set menu, accompanied by Avani’s cool climate Syrah and the playful Amrit range. Guests can look forward to tasting the new release 2022 Amrit Chardonnay and the 2022 Amrit Skin-Contact Pinot Gris, expertly selected to complement the diverse flavours on offer.
Saadi Pop-Up: A Fusion of Innovation and Tradition The first pop-up will showcase the innovative chef couple, Saavni and Aditya from Saadi, delivering a carefully crafted menu of innovations on regional dishes. Diners can expect a fusion of flavors with dishes such as Neer Dosa served with Fremantle Octopus and Vathal Kozhumbu, and a Lamb take on the South Indian classic Chicken 65 – ‘Lamb ‘65’.
Tom Sarafian Pop-Up: A Culinary Journey through Lebanon and Iran Returning to the Avani kitchen, Tom Sarafian will present a Lebanese and Iranian-inspired menu filled with summer flavors. Highlights include charcoal barbecued calamari with harissa, fried okra with cumin and lemon, lamb and koussa kebab, and a Muhullabeya (Lebanese milk pudding) with strawberries, roses, and Iranian pistachios.
Biji Dining Pop-Up: Indigenous Ingredients and Traditional Indian Flavors Harry Mangat and Sandy Soerjadhi from Biji Dining will expertly blend indigenous ingredients with traditional Indian flavours. Dishes include Warrigal greens & macchi pakora, Kangaroo seekh kebab, Ghee chicken roast, and Pistachio kulfi.
Biji Dining X Kyle Nicol (Lilac Wine Bar): A Fusion of French Bistro and Indian-Australian Flavors The series will conclude with a unique collaboration between Biji Dining and Kyle Nicol, head chef of Lilac Wine Bar. The menu promises to blend Kyle’s French bistro style with Harry’s Indian-Australian flavours, featuring Indian spiced charcuterie, Tandoori chicken liver parfait, BBQ paneer, and a creative take on the humble lamington: Gulab jamun with chocolate, cherry, strawberry gum coconut custard.
The Specifics:
What: Summer Series at Avani Wines
Where: Avani Wines, 98 Stanleys Road, Red Hill South
When: Tuesday 26 December 2023 to Sunday 14 January 2024
To book, head here.
