Photography: Kristoffer Paulsen Chef Tom Sarafian (ex-Bar Saracen, Rumi) is set to open the doors to his latest venture this month. The new Armenian-Lebanese inspired restaurant Zareh is Sarafian’s love letter to his family and heritage and that of his partner, Jinane Bou-Assi.  Named after his Armenian-Egyptian grandfather – a self-taught French cook who worked in Melbourne kitchens through the 70s and 80s – the restaurant carries forward a passion for food that’s been handed down through generations, from father to son. “My grandfather set the tone for all us Sarafians to follow a career in the food world; some tried to steer away, but we’ve all ended up working with food in one way or another,” says Sarafian. “This is a place for our family to show our true love of hospitality.” Sarafian’s own career kicked off at The Stokehouse at 18, but the real spark came from Greg and Lucy Malouf’s Saha. Inspired, he reached out to Greg, landing a role at Momo and later following him to London’s Petersham Nurseries. Following this stint in London, he travelled through Egypt, Armenia, Lebanon and Iran, before returning to Melbourne to head the kitchens at Rumi and Bar Saracen. “This restaurant is a new chapter in a story that began generations ago. I’ve always wanted to create a space that captures the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality and the richness of Arab and Armenian traditions,” he says. The Zareh menu features Victorian produce, meats, seafood and dairy, boosted with ingredients that hit the spot, including za’tar, sumac and pomegranate molasses from organic farms in Lebanon.  Meanwhile, the wine list features Armenian and Lebanese producers alongside local and international labels. The cocktail menu has been developed by Matt Linklate, spotlighting the deep aniseed flavours of arak. Through their partnership with Droubna, a Lebanon-based mother-daughter team preserving traditional farming practices and local food culture, Zareh will also be home to a retail front.  Think Lebanese mouneh, distilled waters, vinegars, hone and jams, spices, za’tar and more nostalgic flavours from the South of Lebanon, alongside Sarafian pantry staples. “Over generations, Armenian and Lebanese communities shaped and enriched one another. That spirit of cultural exchange and resilience is what we’re honouring at Zareh,” says Sarafian. “I want every guest to feel that warmth, that generosity of family, heritage and good food, to the exciting aromas of spices hitting the fire and the music in the room,”  Zareh will open on August 20 at 368 Smith Street, Melbourne.