TORONTO — Charles Khabouth, the award-winning restaurateur and Beirut-born entrepreneur, will pay tribute to his Lebanese roots with the opening of Amal, a modern Lebanese-cuisine restaurant, this spring in Toronto.
“I’ve wanted to open a Lebanese restaurant for many years,” says Khabouth, CEO, INK Entertainment. “As a native of Lebanon, ensuring authenticity was paramount. Last year, members of the INK team and I travelled there to curate the best it has to offer and bring it to Amal. We have one of the best executive chefs from Beirut, we worked with one of the Middle East’s biggest design firms to create the brand and we handpicked and imported the restaurant’s decor and dishware. I believe this level of authenticity will elevate our city’s dining scene to new heights.”
Executive chef Rony Ghaleb joins the INK Entertainment team with more than 25 years of progressive experience as a chef at some of the most renowned hospitality venues in Lebanon. Chef Ghaleb’s menu will feature contemporary versions of traditional shared plates.
Designed by the award-winning design firm and long-time partner Studio Munge, Amal will completely reinvent the Bloor Street space formerly occupied by La Société. Offering an undeniable modern charm, the look and feel of the venue is inspired by traditional Lebanese architecture and design.
Amal will be open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch served on Saturdays and Sundays.
The second location in Coconut Grove, Miami is scheduled to open later this year.