Growing up in Beirut AJ Alkady recalls the taste and perfume of his mum’s home cooking.
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As a kid he spent hours in the kitchen learning about these rustic Middle Eastern dishes, which he calls classic comfort food.
“My mum was a home cook who made all kinds of comfort food especially risottos and casseroles,” he said.
Now working as a chef on the Border, Alkady said his background had sparked a passion for quality food.
Together with business partner Matt Webber, Alkady opened Downtown Pizzeria in August at the Dean Street eatery formerly known as Casa Bella Cafe Restaurant.
“We’re offering modern Italian food with a little bit of a twist,” Alkady said.
“I like to stick with original Italian recipes but with a modernised Italian style.
“An example is veal wrapped in prosciutto with nuts and spinach in a Napoli sauce.”
Alkady said wood-fired pizza remained popular on the family-friendly menu.
“We offer authentic wood-fired pizza at the restaurant,” he said.
Arriving in Melbourne in 2009, Alkady said he had worked in Italian restaurants in the eastern suburbs and later Slices Family Restaurant in the western suburbs, where he met Matt.
They teamed up to start a business in Albury this year when the opportunity arose.
“Casa Bella was one of the first restaurants that started in Albury,” Alkady said.
“It had a lot of original features, even the mixer. We renovated the place ourselves where we could; we did all the painting.”
Downtown Pizzeria offers gluten-free options as well as a children’s menu.
It operates seven days a week, 11am until 10pm or late.
What's your favourite dish?
My Pollo Montecristo from our new menu.
What are the staples in your pantry?
Garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and lots of herbs. I think with these you can make anything taste good.
What's your secret vice?
I like Domino’s Pizza.
What is your most unforgettable meal and where?
A ginger and lime raw tuna four years ago at Nobu, Crown Towers Melbourne.
What's your favourite cooking utensil?
My wooden spoon.
What's in your kitchen toolkit?
Chef knife, sharpener and tongs.
What did you have for dinner last night?
Grilled salmon with sweet potato and salad.
What are you drinking?
Scotch or whiskey.
Details:
Downtown Pizzeria,
472 Dean Street, Albury
Phone: (02) 6023 3188
