Shane Delia
“As long as I have good food, family and friends to share it with, my life is complete,” says Shane.
At only 30 years of age, Shane Delia is one of Melbourne’s most innovative chefs. Opening his much awarded first restaurant Maha Bar and Grill in February 2008, Shane has excited diners with his fresh Mediterranean approach to Middle Eastern cuisine. He prides himself on his original culinary style that stems from the eclectic influences that have surrounded him both personally and professionally. Shane grew up in a large Maltese family where food was more than just a meal, it was a chance for them to gather around a shared meal table and eat with the comfort and history shared by his family.
Influenced by a number of his ancestors who worked professionally with food, it was not long before Shane realised that he wanted to translate his love for food and hospitality into a working career. He concluded his apprenticeship at Le Restaurant at the Hotel Sofitel and excelled within the traditional kitchen structure. At the age of 21 Shane was appointed sous chef of Eleonore’s at Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley. In February 2003 Shane was promoted to Executive Chef and Eleonore’s was recognised as one of country Victoria’s finest Hotels and a member of the prestigious Relais Chateaux chain.
His love for food and family is at the centre of what makes Maha Bar and Grill extraordinary. Blending his classical training and his passion for honest, fresh and innovative Middle Eastern cuisine, Shane’s “maha cooking” is captivating. Receiving chef’s hats in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 editions of the Age Good Food Guide and the Restaurant and Catering Association of Victoria award for the Best New Restaurant 2008, and best specialty cuisine 2009 Shane is thrilled to know that the critics are as much in love with his contemporary Middle-Eastern dining room as are the people of Melbourne.
Regularly appearing on popular TV shows like Ready Steady Cook and popular early morning show the circle, Shane warms audiences with his homely flavours and cheeky wit.
Preparing to open his second venue ‘St. Katherine’s’ in early 2011, Shane is laying the foundations to become an Australian dining icon and it seems that Melbourne is ready to share his ideology.
Shane Delia Showcased Asparagus Saturday 11th December 2010