About Abe Levy

Abe Levy, owner of Taam Tov Fine Foods, is a 56-year-old, Israeli-born father of five, who lives in Thornhill.

Twenty-two years ago he was working as a superintendent for Canada Customs but "the wages were so lousy" that he took on an evening job as a dishwasher at B'nai Torah Congregation to supplement his income. Even with his hands deep in soapy water, Abe kept his eyes and ears wide open and within three years he took over as the shul's sous chef. He later took on sous chef duties at Clanton Park Synagogue.

In 1988, Abe took over the kitchen of the Toronto Zionist Centre (TZC). But when first-year sales came in at just $22,000, Abe was discouraged. He was about to pack it in when the president of the Toronto Zionist Council gave him the boost he needed. As he recalls: "She said, ?Abe, you're good. You're one of the best we've had in here. Stick around and you'll make a lot of money.'"

So he did. And he was good, very good, with Levy's Catering contracted at eight Toronto synagogues by 2000. That year Abe sold the business to his brother David, who continues to operate Levy's Catering out of Beth Torah Congregation. Eight years ago, Camp Shalom asked Abe to cater at the popular overnight camp, and Taam Tov was born, with Abe spending summers up at camp and the rest of the year working out of the Zionist Centre.

Taam Tov's executive chef, Dennis, started working with Abe part-time fifteen years ago while also working as the head chef at the renowned Inn on the Park Hotel. His knowledge from working around the world has allowed Taam Tov to have authentic international foods, such as Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and French cuisine.

Among Taam Tov's specialties, says Abe, is the "superb salmon Teriyaki" and "our fantastic sweet tables," with all baking done on the premises. Taam Tov is also widely known for providing catering services to people who can't afford to pay full price.

"I never went to school to learn how to cook," admits Abe. "You have to have the touch for it. Some people are talented in drawing pictures. I've been given a talent from the Almighty to cook."

A self-described workaholic, Abe often puts in 120-hour weeks. The rare downtime he has is spent playing hockey or going for walks with his five children, ages 13 to 33. He also travels with his wife every chance he gets. "Catering is a very stressful business but I force myself to take time away to relax."

Source: Shaarei Shomayim Congregation. Article by Suzanne Wintrob.