Welcome to the House of Oz now I've come of age - Fiona Duff

Well, it’s not often I find myself in a situation and think, I haven’t done this before. But that’s exactly what happened on Monday evening.

Joseph Tawadros performs at the House of Oz

After a very slow bus journey (mind you, is there any other kind at this time of year?) I found myself at House of Oz in King’s Hall on South Clerk Street.

To be quite honest, when I was told about this Aussie extravaganza I had never heard of the venue. Not surprisingly it’s quite close to Queens Hall, where I have been many a time.

It’s a really delightful space, with a cool garden serving drink and tucker around the back of the building. One of the people from Down Under who have descended on King’s Hall is chef David Lee, so expect pretty good grub if you happen to be there.

So, for three Mondays during August there will be a Taste Australia event. Five courses prepared by Mr Lee, with a theme dependent on the Australian host.

Our host for the evening was Joseph Tawadros, billed as an Oud player and storyteller – I have to be honest, it wasn’t the oud playing that drew me there, but he was amazing and very funny as well.

Each of these events sees modern Australian food in fusion with the ethnicity of the host.

Joseph’s family are from Egypt (he explained a bit more but I can’t remember the exact details) so there was a Middle Eastern sort of vibe to it all. Australian fish that I hadn’t tasted before with tahini, cardamom and other flavours that are prevalent in Egyptian cooking.

Next Monday it’s hosted by drag superstar Reuben Kaye, so that theme will be Russian/Jewish, and I am sure I spotted some vodka behind the bar, so no need to bring your own.

And finally on 22 August you there will be a flavour of Greece with Michaela Burger. However, I doubt there was any ouzo there on Monday, but perhaps the organisers will arrange that.

So, top class food, great entertainment and we got to meet some interesting people all at the House of Oz.