The boys are back. Last night, Charles Kabouth (featured left) and Hanif Harji (featured below with Sara Waxman) unveiled Byblos, their newest and most exotic Toronto restaurant. The main floor of this heritage building has lots of “wow” appeal, from the mosaic tile floor to the majestic service bar.
Order cocktails like Arak Ritual–prepared table side–Kafe Turke or The Ten Suns. I watch the actions of the staff, meticulously garnishing the hors d’oeuvre that 
surprise us with hits of Levantine flavours.
Jet setters will recognize spices they’ve encountered in their travels to Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel. Up the stairs is the spacious second floor with extraordinarily comfortable curved leather 
banquets and booths. This is where serious taste-testers will congregate and enjoy selections from an extensive menu of small and large plates. Trust Chef Stuart Cameron (Patria) who knows exactly what to do with seasonings like dukkah, preserved lemons, harissa, za’atar, mint and saffron. His small and large plates will entice you to order the entire menu.
Byblos opens for dinner starting Monday March 17th. Be there.
~ Byblos, 11 Duncan Street, Toronto ~
*Photography courtesy of Parmjit Parmar
