KITCHEN SERVES UP TASTE OF LEBANESE HOME COOKING
Second location in works for family-run restaurant, writes John Grainger.
The Jomha family always knew their mother’s cooking was good.
Growing up in Lala, Lebanon, Taha Jomha says neighbours would often stop by the Jomha house because they knew good things were coming from the kitchen.
“My mom (Nariman) was always cooking something good. I think my mom is the best cook anywhere,” Taha says proudly. “People were always wanting to eat something that my mother cooked — cinnamon buns, or something.
“Our windows would be open and people could smell the good cooking and come to get something.”
It was a natural decision then that after arriving in Canada the family would utilize her gift for cooking and start a restaurant. Now, Saskatoon residents can enjoy the fruits of her labours, from falafel to shawarma and everything in between.
“My mom makes everything fresh every day,” says Taha. “And everything we use is locally sourced too.”
Lebanese staples such as tabbouleh and hummus are both homemade by Nariman. Customers will also find manaeesh, which is a flat bread covered with various toppings, as well as fatayer, a pastry filled with tasty treats.
There are a handful of tables inside, but Taha says Lebanese Kitchen is mainly a takeout restaurant.
“Everything is wide open here so our customers can see exactly how we are preparing their food. They can see how fresh and delicious it is.”
Taha says Lebanese Kitchen is always open to suggestions from its customers about what to add to the menu. It also has many gluten-free options.
A second location is being readied on Boychuk Drive. It will be open later this year. That means even more people will be able to enjoy Nariman’s cooking.
Lebanese Kitchen
Owners: Najib and Nariman Jomha Address: 1005 Broadway Avenue Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Sunday Phone: 306-979-0552
Check out the Facebook page and on Instagram
DONALD PHYSIOTHERAPY
It was short-term pain for longterm gain.
Hearing that from a physiotherapy business, you might think we are talking about a sore back that needs some remedial assistance.
Nope. Donald Physiotherapy has just undergone renovations which has doubled its usable space.
“We were at 1,500 square feet, but now we are more than 3,000 square feet. That’s a big increase,” says Trevor Donald, who owns the business with his wife, Michelle.
“You live through (the construction) with the hope of where you will be, and poof, it’s done,” says Michelle. “It was so worth it.”
The treatment rooms have added space now so patients don’t feel so restricted. The gym they use for rehabilitation and exercises has a lot more usable space.
The growth has allowed the business to offer top-tier service for physiotherapy, acupuncture and dry needling along with offering compression socks and strength and conditioning programs. They also offer workplace injury prevention seminars and offer services for rehabilitation for work, motor vehicle and sports injuries.
Besides Trevor and Michelle, there are two other physical therapists, a newly hired massage therapist and two administrative support staff.
The Donalds are happy to be located in the blossoming area of Stonebridge.
“It’s a really easy area to get to — just off Circle Drive and Preston Avenue,” says Trevor. “I’m glad we chose this area.”
The business is trying to be very Earth-friendly. That includes being 99 per cent paperless. People are encouraged to go to the website and book slots online. And, should anyone have questions, email exchanges are an easy way to get in touch with the office and get advice.
The business is also familyfriendly with TVs in all the treatment rooms with Apple TV should youngsters need a little distraction. As well, there are play things in the waiting area to keep children entertained.
It’s all part of a painless recovery.
Donald Physiotherapy Owners: Michelle and Trevor Donald Address: 80-3211 Preston Avenue Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed Saturday and Sunday
Phone: 306-933-3372 or fax 306933-3373
Email: admin@donaldphysiotherapy.com
Website: www.donaldphysiotherapy.com
Everything is wide open here so our customers can see exactly how we are preparing their food.