We are excited to announce the inception of WEL Eats, a food-based addition to our newsletter that bridges the gap between what you need to know for your practice, and what you need to know for when it’s time to clock out.
For our first iteration, we are thrilled to feature our team’s recent event at Byblos Uptown, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant that plays on the contrast between an elegant yet warm and inviting atmosphere. With an open concept kitchen, immaculate interior design, and the smell of wood burning pides, restaurant goers are treated to a culinary spectacle that extends beyond their plates.
Entering the space, we were welcomed with Marrakesh woven fixtures, and LRNCE tapestries transported from Morocco. Progressing into the main space, the restaurant’s impeccable attention to detail is consistent through nearly every aspect of the space, from the colors of the restaurant resembling the warm hues of a Mediterranean sunset, to the plate paneled walls and soaring ceilings that invite you to be immersed in your new environment. They say you eat with your eyes first, and personally we believe that applies just as much to the decor.
The restaurant was founded by Chef Ben Heaton who heads up some of the city’s most iconic restaurants of past and present – Patria, Mira, Shook, Weslodge and so many more. Inspired by world cultures, Heaton often brings back his exploration of food through different techniques and flavours that are recognizable from the moment you dig in. For Byblos Uptown, the heart of this approach was founded on the ideas of melding the flavours of different cultures from Morocco, Turkey, and Israel.
Chef Heaton spent months perfecting his puffy pitas so it’s no surprise that our first bites blew us away. To start, freshly made Pita was dusted with za’atar and accompanied by a rich and creamy hummus topped with tender roasted wagyu beef.
Another standout dish was the fried eggplant which might look unassuming at first, but was packed with flavour inside of a light crispy shell. When paired with the fresh apple salad, it was the perfect combination of flavours to start our meal and awaken the senses.
Moving into the heart of our meal, fall off the bone lamb shoulder and middle eastern fried chicken brought creative, customizable, and unique experiences to the table. The lamb spends five days brining, confiting, rolling, roasting and glazing in Mediterranean spices that penetrate deeply into the protein and are perfectly complemented by bright accoutrements that contrast the meat’s deep flavours. The same playful interpretation was captured by the fried chicken that offers toppings and sauces that encourage you to create a new flavour experience with every bite.
Of course, a review of the experience isn’t complete without a toast to the amazing beverage program. The cocktail list features some familiar favourites from their Downtown and Miami locations, but the modern twists accentuated by their made in in house specialty syrups and elixirs are anything but familiar. The recommended wine pairing of Grativinum 2πR Grenache Priorat also treated us to a deep Spanish red balanced by the bright undertones of oak and fruit.
Overall, Byblos Uptown is a true gem in the heart of Uptown Toronto. From the smells of the wood burning oven, to the attention to detail in its interior, and unique menu offerings, the restaurant provides an intoxicating experience that will wake up your senses and leave a lasting impression.
We look forward to continuing this tradition, and bringing you along to experience some of the city’s best offerings.
