AJ ALKADY grew up on honest Middle Eastern fare that sparked an early appreciation for food.
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His mother’s traditional handmade bread, big extended family gatherings to cook outdoors over fire on weekends and the street food of Beirut were highlights of his youth.
When Alkady moved to Melbourne in 2009, he was drawn to the Italian restaurant scene.
“There’s a food triangle between the Middle East, Europe and Greece and I’m interested in that a lot,” he said.
“I really like Italian cuisine though.”
Together with business partner Matt Wehbeh, Alkady opened Downtown Pizzeria in Dean Street in August 2015.
Downtown Pizzeria is open seven days while Uptown is open Thursday to Saturday nights and for private functions.
What's your favourite season?
Spring. It’s the season of new life.
What are the staples in your pantry now?
Olive oil, wine and garlic
What’s your favourite dish?
I love food; I pretty much eat everything. Sometimes it’s a conflict to make a decision about what to eat and I can go a whole day without food if I can’t decide!
What is your earliest cooking memory?
Family barbecues on Sundays. In summer there could be as many as 60 in the extended family. We moved the kitchen outdoors. My mum made traditional Middle Eastern bread and we cooked marinated meats on the barbecue. There were lots of flavours.
Which ingredients do you grow yourself?
At the back of the restaurant we have planted tomatoes, chillies, herbs and edible flowers.
Which six people would you invite to dinner?
Hanna and Sam Kadi from As Thick As Thieves; business partner Matt Wehbeh and Sarah; and Mike Eden and partner Karena.
What is your favourite foodie ritual?
I love to cook outdoors over real fire at home.
What are you bingeing on TV? If anything.
Documentaries on human consciousness and spirituality or ancient civilizations. We can learn a lot from history.
What did you have for dinner last night?
Teppanyaki-style oysters and prawns
What are you drinking at the moment?
Scotch
Details:
Downtown Pizzeria,
472 Dean Street, Albury
Phone: (02) 6023 3188