What's Your Name And Title?
Chef Stuart Cameron and I’m the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Azhar Kitchen + Bar. 

How Long Have You Been At Your Current Location?
Azhar opened during the pandemic in December of 2020 and has been in development since the summer of 2019.  

How Has The Neighborhood Changed Around You In The Time? What Are You Most Excited About?
Being the “new kid” on the Ossington strip block has been a dream. It’s a great honour to be part of one of the most celebrated culinary scenes in the city. To be in great company alongside this incredible community of restaurants is something I’m grateful for during these challenging times. 

It’s so exciting to see what cool new innovations pop up in the area, and to be at the core of it, is amazing. I’m looking forward to the summertime where people's energy on the street is infectious and joyful. 

What's The Best Time To Visit Your Neighborhood?
The best time to visit the neighborhood is during a sunny, beautiful day! 

Go-to Food Spot?
Mamakas down the street is my go-to in the neighborhood.  I love their Horiatiki salad, it always seems to hit the spot! Plus in the same family, Bar Koukla has some excellent house cocktails and grab and go eats that I’ve been loving lately. 

 

In addition, Azhar Marketplace of course :). Azhar Marketplace combines Middle Eastern influences with local and imported ingredients, all prepared in-house with our wood-fired oven at the heart of it. What’s remarkable about our marketplace is that it has allowed our future guests to experience a first taste of our dishes to see how they resonate before we fully open our doors. Along with our prepared food, it has been a treat to collaborate with Middle Eastern artisans and local brands all across the city. This has truly created a magical community feel to Azhar. 

 

3 Best Things About Working In Your Neighborhood?
1.     Working alongside the delicious and talented local restaurants such as Mamakas, Bar Kokula, Union, Manita, Bellwoods Brewery, Foxely and more. 

2.     The friendly and incredible local community

3.     Proximity to Trinity Bellwoods park, of course:) 

 

Any Other Tips/Tricks as an entrepreneur like yourself?

Check out our new weekend take-home boxes for two people featuring seasonal and local ingredients, available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options. 4 courses, 8 items, $100 for two people and cocktail kit or low-intervention wine add-in. Pre-order on Tock.