The former head chef of The Apollo and executive chef of Le Foote Stefano Marano has teamed up with his former colleague Jack Reid to open their first restaurant.
The pair, who worked together at The Apollo 10 years ago, have secured the former site of Bei Bar & Bistro in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, which shuttered back in September.
The 60-seat Bourke Street site is now undergoing a refresh, with the pair hoping to launch Avia in early November.
“Avia will be a celebration of the deep-rooted passion for hospitality and dining …
It’s about the joy of sharing a meal and coming together to celebrate family, tradition and food,” say the pair.
Marano will be heading up the kitchen while Reid runs front of house after a decorated career which has seen him on the floor at Supernormal Melbourne, Greca and Yoko in Brisbane, and overseas Michelin-star fine diners.
The restaurant’s DNA is largely based on Marano’s experiences cooking with his Nonna back home in Italy, which means guests can look forward to comforting hospitality and nourishing plates made from repurposed local produce.
Launch dishes include focaccia with sugo, sausage served with black cabbage pesto, grilled snapper tail, and plenty of pasta, which has its own section of the menu.
For dessert, Marano has put together a dish of fennel ice cream with spiced carrot and burnt honey as well as a riff on a custard tart.
Official opening date to come.
