
Jounieh is Bringing a Contemporary Approach to Middle Eastern Culinary Traditions
Transporting the Lebanese coastal town to Sydney’s Walsh Bay
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From the team behind Middle Eastern fine-diner El-Phoenician and spearheaded by Charlotte Gonzales-Poncet comes Jounieh, a contemporary approach to Middle Eastern cuisine, located harbourside in Sydney’s Walsh Bay.
Jounieh celebrates the distinctive flavours found in its namesake region of Lebanon. Inspired by the pickles and spices of the bustling Old Souk, to the refreshing cocktails enjoyed along the Mediterranean. Gonzales-Poncet, formerly of Felix, Coogee Pavilion and Song Kitchen, draws on the freshness of Australian produce and combines it with regional know-how to display elegant modern cooking.
“Working closely with the El-Phoenician team over the last year, I have been immersing myself in Middle Eastern culture, allowing me to curate a menu that is inspired by the beautiful region,” says Gonzales-Poncet.
Highlights include the Samke Harrah croquettes made with fresh snapper and served with a balance of spicy and salty herbs; grilled Moreton Bay bugs using a lemon and orange citrus butter, paired with beetroot flavoured couscous; and the 11-hour cooked lamb shoulder, with red currants and garlic yoghurt for a symphonic combination of salty, sweet and sour.
The drinks list is filled with wines from Bekaa Valley, Lebanon’s most famous wine region, alongside a formidable list of French, Spanish and Italian wines. Cocktails continue the theme, with flavours such as za’atar-infused gin, cinnamon and chilli in the Spicy Sunset.
‘We wanted to create a dining experience that encapsulates the ambience and uniqueness of the beach-side town in Lebanon. Jounieh’s atmosphere is vibrant, yet relaxing as you take in the beautiful views of the harbour, sipping on fresh wines and of course enjoying the Middle Eastern-inspired dishes”, says John El-Bayeh, El-Phoenician Group founder.
Jounieh’s interiors pay homage to the seaside city’s rich blue-collar history and its nautical surroundings, transporting you to another continent as you step through the door with natural elements of wood, stone and a coastal colour palette filling the room.
Jounieh
Open now for bookings and walk-ins
Promenade Foreshore
17 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay 2000
www.jounieh.com.au
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