Rumi, Food of a Middle Eastern Appearance

Rumi is a legendary Brunswick East, Melbourne restaurant that opened in 2006. Still going strong, its longevity is as much a testament to owner Joseph Abboud’s easy charm as a host as it is to his brilliant Middle Eastern-esque fare. “Food of a Middle Eastern Appearance” is the subtitle of his first ever cookbook, and it’s a jokey side-swipe at the way Australia’s Muslim population was profiled and vilified in the years after the September 11th attacks, around when he opened Rumi. “I am of Middle Eastern appearance. As is my food” he proudly states in the book’s intro and amen to that, we say…