Tabülè’s executive chef Rony Goraiche didn’t exactly begin his career in the kitchen. Instead, he found himself working nine to five in an office after studying actuarial science in university. But even then, there were clues that cooking was in Rony’s cards. While studying, he took on part-time work at a restaurant. There, he met his wife Diana Sideris. Also a student at the time, she was working front of house, while Rony prepared meals in the kitchen, an arrangement that would serve them well years later when they took the leap to open Tabülè.
“I realized when we got married that he was more excited about all the kitchen gifts,” Diana laughs. Rony went on to take courses in culinary arts at George Brown College. “But it comes from his roots,” she says. “A lot of the recipes are traditional - from his mom, from his dad, from his grandparents - and then he adds his own twist to it.”
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I had patronized this establishment a few times previously for lunch, and had enjoyed attentive and warm service and reasonable portions and prices. On this visit, I was disappointed with the value of the dinner menu as well as the conduct of the waiting staff. Post-renovation, the atmosphere retains its original charm, but our server for the evening seemed a bit aggressive in prodding us to order additional items. She forgot about one of our drink orders, and our water glasses remained unreplenished for the last hour or so of our stay. Whilst Tabule offers a nice business lunch menu, its dinner selection is somewhat slim, comprised mostly of appetizers, and is inflated in price. Our entree plates were rice-heavy and light-handed on the kebab and grilled vegetable portions. Food-wise, the rice was well seasoned, the meat tender, but the vegetables a touch over-charred for my liking. Though I would consider returning, it would not likely be for dinner. There is better value to be found at other Middle Eastern restaurants in the city.
... or for those who do not know any better. I decided to celebrate the first day of Ramadan by visiting this place and had made a reservation a day earlier for 8pm. We arrived on time and waited 20 minutes to be seated in the midst of unending chaos. It took forever for the waiter to come and take our orders. He was completely unaware that it was Ramadan. No one at this establishment seemed to care; none of them appeared Middle-Eastern. The menu lacked variety and was so uninspired where main courses were concerned, the selection wouldn't have been different at any grill. The appetizers were a bit better although the kibbe was cased in what seemed more like falafel mix than cracked wheat. Vegetarians had only one main dish they could have (a vegetarian skewer, not very Middle Eastern). The food was bland and did not remind me of the Middle-East at all. It was also terribly over-priced. No self-respecting Syrian would eat at this restaurant.
this is my favourite restaurant, the food is delicious, the atmosphere is great as well as the service, great experience,
Wonderful, reasonably priced food, serviced by friendly, attentive and professional staff. It is great place!
Great food, great decor, WONDERFUL staff! A must-dine establishment in Toronto!
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