Almond Bar takeover at Folonomo

A seven-course Aleppo-inspired feast for charity, with all proceeds to support newly-arrived refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

Profit-for-good eatery Folonomo transformed into events space earlier this year, opening its doors for parties, pop-ups and some of Sydney's top restaurants looking to give back.

As part of its ongoing chef series, Sharon Salloum of Almond Bar in Darlinghurst is set to take over the kitchen with a seven-course pop-up dinner this month.

For one night the chef, whose parents were born in Syria, will serve up a shared feast influenced by Aleppo, Syria.

Shared on a long, communal table, dishes will include ocean trout Basturma, a cured trout with goat milk labne, almond and shiso, Salatet Baqli, a herbal lemony salad with purslane and Freekeh bu Shayriyeh, with smoked eggplant, grilled wheat and olives.

For dessert, Salloum will create Halowet il jibin, a sweetened cheese with clotted cream and pistachio, that involves diners to make.

Tickets are just $95, which includes an Aleppo Sour cocktail of vodka infused with cinnamon, sour cherry, lemon, walnut bitter and dehydrated passion fruit seeds on arrival.

Guests can also choose to add craft beer donated by Young Henrys for the night or natural session wines from Newtown's P&V merchants.

All proceeds from the event will go to Metro Assist's SkillME program. A community initiative that helps newly-arrived refugees, asylum seekers and migrants get skills and qualifications to find suitable employment.

For Salloum, the takeover is a chance to pay homage to her Syrian heritage and the support her family received when resettling in Australia.

"My parents are migrants who came from Syria many moons ago. It's a country that has given us thousands of people who require assistance in resettlement. It's a huge thing for these people, who have endured so much, to become employable and gain a sense of independence.

"Our family was welcomed and I want to honour that. I also think everyone in hospitality should look to be hospitable outside of the kitchen and give back where they can," she says.

The chef series at Folonomo is run by The Pure Collective, the hospitality group behind day-time eateries Portal at No.1 Martin Place and Symbol in North Sydney, which donate all profits to charity.

"The whole idea is that you can throw an event and tell us where you want to donate the proceeds. We'll support all non-profits that are genuinely making the world a better place to live in. Our team are still in the kitchen for private parties - and we're inviting Australian chefs or restaurants to come in and take the helm for a night or two."

Almond Bar x Folonomo
Weds, 23 October 2019.
Tickets $95 - seven courses + cocktail.
More information here.