Tom Sarafian at Cumulus Inc

Overview

In the years since Bar Saracen sadly closed its doors, former Head Chef Tom Sarafian has become king of the food pop-up, lending his prowess with modern Middle Eastern flavours to guest chef series and popular kitchen residencies across Melbourne. And now, it's Cumulus Inc's turn.

For two weeks next month, Sarafian will take over the Flinders Lane restaurant's upper dining room for a memorable feasting series guided by his signature bold, aromatic cooking.

Dinners will run Wednesday to Saturday from March 2–12, clocking in at $85 per person for a sumptuous shared menu and with bookings available from 6pm. You'll sit down to dishes like heirloom tomatoes with homemade shanklish, octopus batata harra (spicy potatoes), and plenty of that beloved signature hummus.

Meanwhile, two extended Sunday lunch editions are also happening, with limited spots available from 12pm on March 6 and March 13. The first is set to hero Sarafian's charcoal-grilled fish fatteh as the centrepiece ($100pp) while the second will showcase his duck fesenjoon — a Persian dish traditionally slow-cooked with walnuts and pomegranate ($120pp).

The drinks list also embraces a Middle Eastern lean — expect a range of Armenian wines, Sarafian's Lebanese lemonade and an arak service.

Kristoffer Paulsen