Summary:
Record on May 4, 2021 – A vision for art, food and all spaces big and small, artist Aharon Ozery takes us through how his love of art paved the way to creating a life of continuous creativity in the restaurant and Sesame Butter manufacturing industry.
Time Stamps:
- Intro – 0:01
- Covid – 3:57
- Business – 11:16
- Personal – 30:40
- City – 45:39
- Rapid Fire – 58:05
- Conclusion – 1:01:39
- End – 1:03:31
Show Description:
Parallel Restaurant and the Parallel Sesame Butter brand was co-founded by the Ozery brothers Guy, Alon and Aharon in 2018. Located on Geary Avenue, the space immediately spoke to the three brothers, particularly Aharon, who is an installation artist. He shares how this opportunity was not only exciting but pushed him out of his comfort zone. Having lived in Israel and Germany, he moved back to Toronto in 2017, and now calls this home.
Aharon is the General Manager at Parallel and runs the day-to-day business together with George Grabsky, who joined the three brothers as partner and head chef.
Parallel is a sesame seed brand that uses only Ethiopian seeds grown in the Humera region. These seeds are known for their unique buttery and nutty flavour, along with their superior quality. Parallel specializes in Sesame Butter (Tahini), Halva, various spreads and snacks that contain sesame seeds.
Aharon and Alon discuss how the making of Halva, a rich, sweet confection, is alchemy. When making it, it’s a process and it’s precise. You need to know the exact moment to stop and how with two more folds of the mix, the halva can be ruined.
As an artist Aharon loves change. He also loves spaces. When both are combined he creates beautiful and evolving spaces. In addition to being a manufactory, 217 Geary Avenue is also a continuous work of art that is also a restaurant. Aharon derives great satisfaction when guests come and eat at the restaurant, enjoy the atmosphere and become part of the ever evolving space.
We came to understand how Aharon infuses the artist’s vision in everyday life, seeing buildings as three dimensional objects that are scattered across the city. As such, he sees the business as a living, breathing thing that needs care and adjusting all the time.
Aharon’s lesson, from his father Al, is to accept and enjoy what he has. “Our father has been poor and has been well to do.” and he always lived and loved life no matter the circumstances.
The one thing these brothers easily agree on is that the biggest missed opportunity for Toronto is not having a physical connection to the island. “It’s our Central Park,” he says. Aharon thinks everyone should have access (by foot or bike and not by car).
Aharon also supports bike lanes in the city. He likes how it slows down everything and makes a city more livable.
He lives in Leslieville and loves the neighbourhood. He also loves the west end and these days he stops at Sam James on Brock Avenue for coffee and a pastry.
Aharon favours charities that donates food to organizations that provide food for the homeless. Parallel also supports hiring people with special needs..
Manufacturing is at the heart of Parallel and the opportunities are plentiful. With an online store and potential for expansion, these brothers aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
Website: parallelbrothers.com
Follow on Instagram: @parallel_brothers
