Akuna’s Mates’ Mash-Up introduces an exciting collaboration between Chef-Mates Sam Aisbett and the renowned Executive Chef Peter Gilmore of Quay and Bennelong in Sydney. This unique event is part of a series that unites leading figures in the culinary world, featuring both peers and mentors who have left a lasting impression on Sam Aisbett throughout his culinary odyssey.
Opened in July 2023, Akuna reflects the evolution of chef Sam Aisbett’s culinary journey, with an intentional nod to the people and produce of Vietnam. Presenting his most ‘authentic cooking’, Sam leans into his rule-breaking nature and actively decides against limiting the menus to the boundaries of a region or style. Drawing inspiration from creative possibilities found in Vietnam’s culinary landscape, expect indigenous ingredients, local herbs and spices, rare flavours and nuances from his adoptive home — many of which find their way to a fine dining menu for the very first time. In six months since its opening, Akuna was awarded New Opening of the Year by LaListe, the ultimate guide to the world’s best restaurants. It was also recognised among the Top 25 Restaurants by Robb Report Gourmet Collection 2023, cementing its reputation as a rising force in the local and international culinary scene.
Mates’ Mash-Up with Peter Gilmore will be a one-night-only, six-course dinner experience on 20 July 2024. Previous editions of Mates’ Mash-Up have featured internationally acclaimed names such as Rishi Naleendra of Cloudstreet and Sun Kim of Meta, from Singapore.
SAM AISBETT X PETER GILMORE — MATE’S MASH-UP
In this collaboration series, Sam gathers his closest friends and mentors from various corners of the globe to create a delightful culinary spectacle (filled with both exceptional cuisine and laughter) within the vibrant setting of Akuna's open kitchen. “Peter is both a friend and mentor to me, and I consistently find inspiration from his ‘out of the box’ flavour and texture combinations. After many years, we'll be back in the kitchen together, and our chemistry is fantastic. Peter is a pioneer of Australia's fine dining scene, and I'm truly excited to cook alongside him again," says Sam.
Sam spent many years working at Quay in Sydney; the iconic modern Australian restaurant headed by Peter Gilmore, where he worked his way up to become their first Head Chef. Quay rose to stature winning several awards during his tenure, which includes Three Hats in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide as well as placements on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. Those years cemented Sam’s deep understanding of Australian cuisine and respect for fine ingredients. On 20 July, Peter and Sam will cook together for the first time in Vietnam.
“I’m honoured to be joining Sam in his kitchen. He’s an old friend, incredible talent, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he has created at Akuna”, says Peter Gilmore ahead of the upcoming Mates’ Mash Up.
SAM AISBETT AKUNA, HO CHI MINH CITY
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Sam worked through the kitchens of famed chefs Peter Gilmore and Tetsuya Wakuda in Sydney before opening Whitegrass in Singapore in 2016. At Whitegrass, he led the team to earn two consecutive MICHELIN-Star wins, as well as a place on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. He left Whitegrass at its peak in 2018 and found his way to Vietnam where he fell in love with the "beautiful chaos" of Ho Chi Minh City. Sam subsequently launched Akuna at Le Méridien Saigon, where he presents his most ‘authentic cooking’ yet.
PETER GILMORE QUAY AND BENNELONG, SYDNEY
Peter is Australian, born and bred in Sydney, and is among the most awarded chefs in Australia. Since 2001, he has led the internationally recognised Quay and for 22 consecutive years, Quay has been awarded Three Chefs Hats and named Restaurant of the Year six times in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. For five years, Quay was listed on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant list and held the title of Best Restaurant in Australasia for three of those years. In July 2015, Peter was also instrumental in reopening Bennelong restaurant in the Sydney Opera House.