Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, brimming with experience and input from global communities across the world. One of the best, tastiest results of our multiculturalism is an extremely flavourful food scene, chock full of options from around the world. And, a new North York restaurant called Old Avenue is bringing far away flavours from Azerbaijan right into the city.
The story starts in October, when an announcement that the restaurant was coming soon popped up on Instagram. The restaurant opened soon afterwards, operated by head chef Mahmud Allahverdiyev and Gulnar Aliyeva, who runs the bakery. In addition to helming the kitchen at Old Avenue, Chef Allahverdiyev is also the official Ambassador of the Azerbaijan Culinary Association in Canada. His resume includes multiple awards and participation in various championships.
"In this restaurant you're not just going to have a meal, you can taste new foods, taste the life of the people, who lived in here [in the] 19th century," Old Avenue writes on Instagram. The menu includes a vast array of Azerbaijani staples, including an Israeli salad, beef stew in a clay pot, hummus and chicken la vengy, amongst other dishes influenced by Mediterranean and Southern Caucasus cuisine. Highlights include the Shah Plov, a rice dish that is filled inside with lavash (flatbread) as well as dried fruits, meat and saffron, and the Saj, which is a lesser-known Middle Eastern culinary experience brimming with vegetables, dark, aromatic spices, and tender, seasoned meats. For dessert, Old Avenue boasts that the restaurant offers one of the best Azerbaijani pahlava dishes in the city.
In addition to serving up delicious eats, Aliyeva and Allahverdiyev give back to the community, too. Old Avenue is fully staffed by Ukrainian refugees, offering them a job as they adjust to their new lives in Canada.
Old Avenue Restaurant and Bakery is located at 1923C Avenue Road in North York.
