It’s not every day that a dental studio and an independent restaurant team up to launch an event. But when Avia Co-Owners Stefano Marano and Jack Reid met Corbin Barry and David Beeby of Darlinghurst dental studio Sage Space, a newfound relationship led to just that.
“Corbin and David are regulars at Avia and we got talking about hosting a series of events that could blend good food with interesting topics,” says Marano. “Our relationship just blossomed from there.”
The unlikely group set about organising Food for Thoughts. They’ve since hosted the first event with breathing coach Rory Warnock. Now they’re preparing for their next: an evening of sustainability talks with chefs Jamie Gannon and Henri Turra.
For Marano and Reid, events like this are about supporting other small businesses and building community. “And while it might not drastically increase business, it expands our network and lets us use and see our space in a different light,” says Marano.
“Avia is a restaurant, but we wanted to be more than that: a place of gathering and bonding and good times in all its shapes and forms.”
Avia has made strides to keep sustainability at its core since launching in 2024, both in day-to-day operations and in customer education. The team has been working with OzHarvest and restaurants like Redfern’s Attenzione and Bronte’s Table Manners on Re:purpose, a series turning potential food waste into refined dining.
It was through Re:purpose that Marano and Reid met Turra when his business, Radish Events, hosted one of the meals. Avia didn’t have a previous relationship with Gannon, but they reached out to him because of his dedication and interest in sustainability.
“I think both Henri and Jamie will have some pretty unique information and insights throughout their speeches and I am really looking forward to seeing the crowd reaction to and interaction with them,” says Marano.
Food for Thoughts with Gannon and Turra is on Wednesday October 29. Tickets ($68) are available here and include the talk and a sustainability-focused meal.
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