Uptown Torontonians are in for a treat – a new Middle Eastern eatery has landed in Bayview Village. View the VIBE’s Libby Roach gives us a first look at what’s on the menu at the new Tabülè.
The newest and hautest eatery has just flung its sexy floor to ceiling glass doors open, ushering in a new era at the posh uptown Bayview Village mall. The recently vacated Bakery Garden Café made way for Tabülè, the fourth location for this Middle Eastern hotspot. Coming off the heels of opening their latest location mere months ago, husband and wife and partners Chef Rony Goraichy and Diana Sideris have been aggressive with their growth plans, wisely spreading their locations across the city, but their newest (and most lux location) wasn’t originally part of the plan. “They actually approached us”, explains Diana, and after one look at the prime property, she was smitten.
Located in the centre of the mall, with nearby eateries and the adjacent Loblaws guarantees good foot traffic, and a steady stream of hungry shoppers and lingering lunch-ers. The spacious 90 seat restaurant also boasts a few prime tables looking into the mall, as well as a bar perfect for perching and people watching.
A grab-and-go display will save time compressed shoppers (and BV employees) on their lunch break, and will also feature a barista bar for takeaway coffees and teas from Pluck Teas. For those looking for more inspiring tipples, mixologist and barman Nishantha Nepulongoda (Blowfish) has created the cocktail menu for all of Tabülè’s locations, but BV gets some slightly special treatment with the addition of the Arabian Chiquita, with Tromba tequila, Cointreau, fresh ginger, lime, grapefruit & mint and the Mzaar, poured with gin, Cointreau, lime, cinnamon syrup and topped with ginger beer – both just for this location.
The room itself is a feat of design, with fanciful murals of Lebanon ski hills dotting one wall, and another to be unveiled mural draping another. The bar allows for a 360-view of the restaurant, topped with marble and featuring floating shelving above – it almost feels like an Elte catalogue come to life. Designed by Commute, the space boasts row after row of banquettes and cozy corners, all decked out in blue and matching perfectly with wooden table tops and a decorative succulent just seals the deal.
The menu here is the same as the other locations but will be tinkered slightly with the addition of brunch in the coming months. Fan favourites like the gluten free Falafel ($6.25) and Labni, Hümmus & Babaganüj (here, served platter style) are necessary mezzes and perfect for sharing. Heartier salads could disguise themselves as full-on entrees, like the Hallüm Salad ($9.95), with crispy seared Hallüm cheese, arugula and onions.
Fragrant Tabülè salad ($6.50) acts as a perfect palate cleanser between courses. Rough chopped parsley comes gently coated in a citrusy dressing with a hint of mint and smattering of tomatoes and onions resulting in a light and perfectly textured, and highly addictive salad. Other vegetarian options like the Fried Eggplant ($7.50) or Cauliflower ($7.75) both show Chef’s innate ability to allow singular ingredients to shine, making veggies the star of the show, instead of simply a side.
But for those seeking something meaty and substantial, Chef Rony dry ages Lamb Chops ($26.95) in-house, and then grills them to a medium rare perfection using only the simplest seasoning to allow the flavour to really follow through. Spicy Garlic Shrimp ($13.99) adds a little surf to the turf, with tender shrimp lingering in a pool of rich tomato sauce with just a little kick of heat. Kefta Bandura ($18.95) also comes slathered in the red sauce, with a juicy marriage of ground lamb and beef served skewer style, a perfect meal with a side of rice or pita.
Desserts offer a sweet finish, and pair well with the mint tea. Using his father’s recipe, Chef Rony recreates a nostalgic dessert with Künafa Ashta ($6.95) with delicate filo pastry layered with custard and finished off with a sprinkle of rose water.
Tabülè has long been known and respected for its authentic Middle Eastern fare, and with a culinary FOH/BOH power couple, we’re excited to see where this concept lands next.
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