Madame Levant: The matriarch of the Levant
Written by: Samantha Campanale
A perfect representation of a modern-day superwoman. Someone who inspires and brings positive light and change to the world. Himi Hunaidi, the owner of Madame Levant on Gerrard St. in Riverdale, is a strong Jordanian woman who grabs life by the horns, even when it tries to throw her off.
Hunaidi started cooking up a long list of accomplishments at a young age when she attended business school in her home country of Jordan. Her passion and love for food drove her to the South of France where she graduated from a cooking school and eventually moved back home to work behind the scenes producing shows in her field. After a short stint in Dubai creating brands for food, she moved to Los Angeles where she founded a ‘Farm-to-Stroller’ cooking class. Having a baby of her own, she wanted to help mothers meet new people, build new skills, all while being able to bring home dinner for the family. If that’s not enough to impress you, then maybe her year of traveling to India for yoga teacher training, will. Are you convinced she wears a cape? Me too.
Now residing in Riverdale, Hunaidi and her family are so thankful to call Canada home. “We have been extremely welcomed here and have benefited from this amazing system and so I feel like it is my responsibility to give back,” says Hunaidi. Crafting a tight-knit community in less than a year of being open, Madame Levant recreates the experience of sharing food with your neighbours while enjoying the traditional flavours of The Levant.
Each ingredient on the menu has been locally sourced and boasts the best of farm-to-table cuisine. Hunaidi’s holistic approach is demonstrated by being a zero waste restaurant and serving smaller portions in hopes that each plate is finished.
“I was married to being on Gerrard,” Hunaidi tells me as she sips on her loose leaf sage tea. Living near Simpson and Logan, it was essential to be close to home for her kids. “It’s hard to be a working mother,” She sympathizes, “But my mission is to set an example for my daughters and to show others that with some out-of-the-box thinking, there is a way to have it all.” Hunaidi’s restaurant hours are Mondays, Wednesday to Sunday (with Tuesdays being closed) from 8:30AM - 2:30PM. A perfect example of her determination to do all that she loves without burning out of steam.
As soon as you walk into the space you are embraced with the powerful personality of Madame Levant. “She is someone who I made up when I was younger,” Hunaidi says with a look of enthusiasm. “She's a strong Arab woman who makes amazing food for her whole family and everyone in the neighbourhood. A woman of authority whose sons would always obey and her daughter in-laws don’t like,” she laughs. Decorated with a chic ambiance of The Levant, her entire restaurant, except the dazzling tile floors, was built with the help of her family. Hunaidi reminisces with joy as she tells me how the restaurant opened on her father's birthday and everyone flew in from Australia and Jordan to be there for it. It’s easy to see the gratitude and honour she has for being able to construct a place that embodies every piece of her.
With the help of her trusted staff member, Simon, Hunaidi invites you to come visit her in the open concept kitchen while she cooks you an authentic taste of Levantine food. The fresh Jordanian olive oil extracted from her family's farm is an absolute must try! And if you’re just as much of a foodie as Hunaidi, check out her passion project cooking classes online and explore how you can make some staple Levantine meals for yourself at home!
“Madame Levant is here to create joy, tell you a thing or two about the Levant’s shared heart and yet, different spirits.”
*Catering services are also available upon request