Veloute Bistro & Catering

As you walk along Queen St. E. in the Beach neighbourhood,  Velouté Bistro & Catering will immediately catch your eye. Co-owner and sommelier Alise Matos designed the front to evoke a Mediterranean vibe, with pale-yellow stonework and a bay window that’s trimmed in white and anchored with an abundance of flora. The building itself had been there before, with  Velouté's cook and Alise's husband, Fawzi Kotb, having worked in the previous restaurant, Peppino’s on the Beach.

The start of their own catering company in 2009 triggered a process of change for Alise and Fawzi, with Fawzi’s superb cooking skills earning him a reputation as an artist in the  kitchen. In 2011, the couple took the final step, opening the doors of Velouté Bistro to much acclaim.

The bistro's inviting decor was chosen intentionally to make restaurant goers feel comfortable. “My wife,” describes Fawzi, “she made it like you’re in a real home.” In addition to the cozy home décor, Alise planted a garden on the back patio to create a bucolic atmosphere for diners. The garden also doubles as a food supply for the kitchen, with Fawzi using its herbs in the bistro's dishes.