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| - This is a review for their catering/delivery service only. I've eaten many times at both locations and find the food excellent, and very authentic (I lived in the Middle East for several years). Which is why I've used them to cater parties.
But my recent experience makes me think twice before doing it again. I specifically asked for a delivery time that would not have me accepting platters of food and juggling a credit card machine at the same time as my guests arrived. But the food was 35 minutes late and so hugs at the doorway (for my guests, not the delivery guy) competed with all the food trays and bags and payment. I told the guy this was precisely what I wanted to avoid, and he shrugged and said he was given a different time by the restaurant (which is only 12 minutes away). Then he stood there and practically demanded a tip. I had already paid and had no cash within reach, and my guests were wondering about coats, and where to put presents, and it was a madhouse. But he wouldn't leave until I gave him the credit card again and we put through a tip for him.
The food was just as I ordered and wonderful, with the exception of not nearly enough fried eggplant for 28 people (I ordered a fixed meal for my number of guests), and we were really missing the olives, pickles, and pickled turnips, which add so much, and which I expected would come with the food since it's on the table gratis in the restaurant. The fact that there was enough pita to feed the block didn't make up for no pickles.
The day after, I wrote a note to the restaurant with my gentle feedback, nothing harsh, just letting them know what bothered me. Never got a reply.
This is too bad because I would have continued to use them for parties, and now I'll think again. There are so many places for good food in Toronto that service takes on even more importance. If Tabule shores up this aspect of their operation, they'll get 5 stars from all their reviewers. Meantime, I'll just eat in the restaurant, and leave the catering to a place that tries harder.
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