Foodservice Friday: Byblos

Friday, March 11, 2016
The glorious brussels sprouts
Most of us have a special occasion restaurant. It's usually somewhere with terrific service, and with food so great we know whatever we order will be spectacular.

For me, that restaurant is Byblos. This is the place where I had the brussels sprouts epiphany.  The place that inspired me to make my own Middle Eastern dessert. And the place where I've celebrated my last two birthdays. Byblos has been responsible for quite a lot of happiness in my life.

The beauty of eating at a restaurant with share plates is you try more things than if you just had a single appetizer and entree to yourself. But even so, the biggest challenge about dinner at Byblos is confronting the sad realization that you can't order every single thing on the menu. So what should you order? You have to try at least one of the eggplant appetizers, the roasted red beets, the ribeye, and for dessert, order the qatayef, and the mousse cake that's covered in Persian cotton candy. Oh, and did I mention the brussels sprouts?

Crispy Qatayef, just one of the brilliant desserts Byblos serves
Photo credit: Byblos Restaurant
Byblos's brilliant chef Stuart Cameron took the time to answer a few questions I had for him. I asked him what the inspiration was for Byblos, and he answered, "There are so many amazing ingredients and flavours that are unfamiliar in other cuisines. When I first started Byblos I was amazed by the quality of products that were available. It really drove me to create new dishes that represented Middle Eastern Cuisine." When I asked about his most memorable cooking moment, he said he loves cooking during TIFF (the Toronto International Film Festival) because of all the great people he meets. He also singled out getting to cook last year with Michelin-starred chef Maria Jose San Roman.

In other words, he loves food, he loves people, and both of those are what makes his food shine.

So if you live in Toronto, Byblos is a restaurant you simply must try. If you don't live in Toronto, Byblos is a very good reason to visit.

And if you go any time around my next special occasion, you'll probably see me there.

Byblos Restaurant
11 Duncan Street
Toronto ON
647-660-0909
www.byblostoronto.com

(All opinions are my own, and I received no compensation for this post.)

23 comments:

Unknown said...

I love having a favorite restaurant to rely on for a great meal. This sounds like a winner!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Byblos sounds like a fabulous restaurant. I already love Brussels sprouts, so I'd definitely order their take on them :) I love small plates, too---I just want a bite or two of everything!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Next time I'm down south I'll have to talk hubby into this one! :)

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi Beth, there food sounds amazing, it's always nice to have a regular place to go where you know the food is delicious. Love middle eastern cusine.

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi Beth, there food sounds amazing, it's always nice to have a regular place to go where you know the food is delicious. Love middle eastern cusine.

Angie's Recipes said...

The food looks so tempting, esp. those brussels sprouts!!

Monica said...

This restaurant really sounds great...so nice to find a gem.

Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen said...

I love ordering small plates of foods and trying lots of different things. Those brussels sprouts look amazing!

Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen said...

I love ordering small plates of foods and trying lots of different things. Those brussels sprouts look amazing!

That Girl said...

Oh my goodness, I was just telling someone about kataifi less than an hour ago! I'm sold!

That Girl said...

Oh my goodness, I was just telling someone about kataifi less than an hour ago! I'm sold!

DMS said...

This sounds like an amazing restaurant. I really enjoy Middle Eastern food and have a favorite place in New Haven, CT that I have always gone to. Now if I make it to Ontario I know where to eat. :)
~Jess

Cakelaw said...

I would love to try those brussels sprouts - they look amazing.

Chiara "Kika" Assi said...

You made me hungry for Middle Easter fare and it's not even lunch time yet :-)

Inger @ Art of Natural Living said...

I remember your prior coverage of this restaurant. Always makes me drool!

Kitchen Riffs said...

You've written glowingly about this restaurant enough times that I'm thinking I should make a trip to Toronto just to visit it! Great read -- thanks.

nancy at good food matters said...

isn't it wonderful when you have that one special restaurant that amazes and pleases you every time? Makes me want to get on a plane for Toronto now!

Katerina said...

It is great to have a restaurant that you trust and enjoy eating there. I wish Canada was closer so I could perhaps visit and have a taste!

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I'm wondering if you accept house guests?

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I'm wondering if you accept house guests?

Tricia Buice said...

I love when a restaurant exceeds expectations and inspires! We should come for a visit :) Have a great weekend!

Andrea_TheKitchenLioness said...

Beth, the restaurant sounds like a wonderful place to visit and both these plates look divine!

handmade by amalia said...

Sounds like a lovely place. The world is divided into those who like Brussels Sprouts and those who don't. I give them a big like.
Amalia
xo

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