Everyone knows that the best parties always end in the kitchen. Meet Tony Sabherwal who owns and runs Magic Oven with his wife, Abby Sabherwal.
TONY SABHERWAL
MAGIC OVEN
Toronto, ON
What is your favourite seasonal ingredient?
Heirloom tomatoes. I can’t get enough of them, and they’re great for my constant craving for salad with sea salt and unfiltered extra virgin olive oil.
What in your opinion is the most underrated ingredient?
Cauliflower because it lends itself to any recipe that requires rice or potatoes.
What is your favorite dish to cook at home?
Wild Mushroom Risotto. This is my true labour of love, slow-cooked with rich cheese and hearty broth.
What’s your drink of choice?
Double shot of Intelligentsia espresso with a tablespoon of steamed milk.
Outside of your work life, how would you describe yourself?
Curiosity and wondering are my pastimes. Movies, literature, dictionaries, and philosophical books are my best friends.
Is there a dish on your menu that you particularly enjoy showcasing?
Our Lentil, Tofu & Root Vegetable stew. Organic lentils are soaked overnight and then slow-simmered with nigari tofu and fresh root vegetables, in a blend of house-ground spices and herbs.
How you have pivoted your operations during this time?
We closed our dine-in locations and developed a commissary kitchen in Liberty Village that produces refrigerated heat and serve dishes. Packed in vacuum-sealed pouches we offer a whole line of snacks, mains, sauces, and condiments.
What to you is the best part of working with Ontario food and drink?
The creative energy of our growers that commit to sustainable practices makes it a pleasure to be part of the agri-food movement.
Why is Feast On important to you and your restaurant?
Because it is an honour and a privilege to be working with so many folks who respect the planet, local production and, of course a constant stream of diverse foods.
What does your ‘Perfect Weekend’ in Toronto look like?
My first day of the weekend would involve me starting the day at a Farmers’ Market. Discovering a ‘new’ for me neighbourhood, stopping for a coffee at a local café, and enjoying the beautiful trails all over the city are other activities I enjoy on the weekend.
On day two of the weekend, I’d cook up the Farmers’ market haul, enjoy a meal with friends and family. Then, I’d laze with a book or a movie.
