Sezar brings barbecue to the big smoke

He's delighted Glen Waverley diners with Mexican and Spanish flavours at the Black Toro. Now Garen Maskal and partners Aret and Sasoon Arzadian are bringing a fresh concept to the big smoke: Armenian barbecue, or khorovadz.

After getting the keys to the former Saint Peter's Trattoria last week, they are giving the place a quick spruce-up before opening the doors on Sezar in mid-November. Maskal, 26, says Armenian cuisine draws on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, so alongside things like chargrilled lamb skewers with sour cherries they'll serve share-friendly mezze based on tomatoes, cucumber, mint and grains. Fellow Ezard alumnus Franc Bakkes will head the kitchen.

Sezar, at 6 Melbourne Place, city, will open for lunch on Thursday and Friday and dinner Monday to Saturday until late.

ROSLYN GRUNDY