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Jinane Bou-Assi

@jinanebouassi

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@sarafian.melbourne @zareh.melbourne

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Celebrating one year with the best team 💛 by @jinanebouassi

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a month ago

Beyond proud to see Lebanese heritage celebrated at the very top of Australia’s dining scene. ❤️🇱🇧

ZAREH, the Melbourne restaurant founded by chef Tom Sarafian and Jinane Bou-Assi, has been named Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant of the Year. #LLBMeetTheExpat

Rooted in their Armenian and Lebanese heritage, @zareh.melbourne brings together family, tradition, hospitality and the flavours of the region in a space that feels deeply personal.

@tomsarafian describes it as a love letter to Lebanon, while @jinanebouassi brings her own Lebanese family story and heritage to the restaurant.

Less than a year after opening, Zareh has already made history. 🇱🇧

Congratulations Tom & Jinane! 🇦🇲🇱🇧 taken in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia by @jinanebouassi

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a month ago

Proud @tomsarafian - a real fairytale. Dreams can come true by @jinanebouassi

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a month ago

GOURMET TRAVELLER RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR!!

While we’ve been open for a year this Friday, this dream has been years in the making. After so many false starts over the years, I watched @tomsarafian question himself, and how he would ever set out to fulfil his dream, there were some really low moments. But the achievements over the last year are a testament to his passion, resilience, hard work and dedication to what he does. Zareh is the journey of making a dream happen when all the odds are seemingly always against you.

There’s something about people who grew up with not much, who’ve had to learn that nothing comes easy, that pushes them like nothing else. It’s almost built in, when bad shit keeps happening, you just keep going, because stopping is never really an option.

When I met Tom almost ten years ago, I very quickly realised what kind of life I was in for, that his craft wasn’t seperate to he was, and that my life would be dedicated to it too. From leg surgeries, to a recent back injury that’s had him unable to walk. Sometimes I do wonder why he does this to himself… He loves doing it more than life itself. He loves, admires and cares about hospitality and the people in it.

To have a restaurant that is unashamedly Lebanese, Arab and Armenian - from our music, dishes and hospitality recognised and enjoyed by guests who come through the doors every night makes me so proud, because these are some of the most beautiful, generous cultures in the world. The joy is infectious. For me on a personal note, to see the flavours of the south of Lebanon recognised at this level during these times makes me so proud to be part of a people who’s love for their land, traditions and resilience is remarkable.

Thank you to our team, who put in so much love day in and day out and for having Tom’s back the last few weeks while he’s been out of action. You embody hospitality, love, kindness and remarkable talent. You inspire me everyday.

Thank you to our parents and families, who have taught us so much and are there for us everyday.

Tom - take this one in, I’m so proud of the person you are. This is just the beginning. YALLAH!! by @jinanebouassi

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a month ago

We are still a bit shocked that this happened last night. @gourmettraveller Restaurant of the Year is not something we’d ever imagined, especially in our first year.

We’re so proud that Lebanese, Arab and Armenian food and culture have been recognised. It’s a real honour, privilege and responsibility to do what we do everyday.

This really is a huge testament to our incredible team who’ve worked so hard and care so deeply about Zareh.

We feel so proud, inspired and excited for the future of Zareh. This is only the beginning.

YALLAH 🇱🇧🇦🇲 taken in Olympus Dining by @jinanebouassi

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a month ago

Arabasthetic by @jinanebouassi

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3 months ago

The land remembers us, even when others forget us. My grandparents walked this beautiful southern land, my children will too. Returning to our homes is not a question or up to anyone else to decide - we always find our way back. by @jinanebouassi

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3 months ago

Sharing the love, rich hospitality, foods, music and traditions of South Lebanon to raise funds for @beitelbaraka with the incredible @sundaykitchenau. While so many people leave @zareh.melbourne making new friends, it was so heartening to have so many solo diners in leaving with catch ups scheduled with each other. A day that felt like home at Zareh. by @jinanebouassi

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5 months ago

Such a special trip 🦞 taken in Thailand by @jinanebouassi

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9 months ago

NGV Gala @ngvmelbourne by @jinanebouassi

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10 months ago

Date and Tahini tiramisu ‘hummus’ cake for the birthday boy. Happy happy birthday to my favourite person @tomsarafian - you’re the best 💛 by @jinanebouassi

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10 months ago

Incredible!! Congratulations @elcolumpiomelbourne St Kilda - this place is really special ❤️‍🔥 by @jinanebouassi

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a year ago