The cooking wizard!

chef

There is something about Chef Willaim el Dbaissy who has an insane passion for food. This Lebanese chef is a born culinary artist. His gastronomic journey took him from Lebanon to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Paris, Barcelona and Canada. Chef William is an active member in the ‘Union of Lebanese Cooking’s Guild U.L.C.G’, ‘World Association of Chefs’ Societies W.A.C.S’, ‘Canadian Culinary Federation C.C.F.C.C’ and ‘American Chef Federation A.C.F’. Chef William currently lives in Canada and works as an executive chef of Paramount Fine Foods.
This chain of restaurants originally started off in Mississauga, Ontario as a Middle Eastern restaurant and quickly gained popularity opening up numerous restaurants in Canada, USA and Lebanon. They have recently opened a chain in Karachi, Pakistan. Chef William has especially flown in from Canada for the inauguration and set up of Paramount franchise in Karachi. He is here for ten weeks for the training of the local staff. In a candid interview with You! Chef William talks passionately about his works and what he loves most about this business. Read on to find out more about this down-to-earth amazing chef who has no airs about himself and is keen to learn more and more...

You! When did you first get involved in cooking?

William el Dbaissy: I first got involved in cooking at the tender age of 12, when I began helping my father in the family restaurant. Even when I was in college, I worked as Chef de cuisine in evenings in several hotels and restaurants.

You! Have you done any professional courses?

W.D: Yes, I did professional courses in cooking from Lebanon, Italy and Paris. I learned the art of cooking from 20 multinational chefs.

You! Have you always wanted to be a chef?

W.D: I was born into a well known family of chefs and cooks in 1981. My father and relatives were traditional Lebanese chefs who ran high end hotels and their own restaurants in their hometown. So becoming a chef is a natural choice.  

You! How long have you been working as a professional chef?

W.D: Since 1997. I started from a small restaurant. Inspired by my family, I decided to take Lebanese cuisine a step ahead and to spread it worldwide. Then I started touring with a unique culinary style throughout the MENA Region, then off to Paris and Barcelona (leading the winning team of the European Catering Cup 2011).

You! How long have you been attached with Paramount Fine Food?

W.D: I joined Paramount in early 2012.

You! What do you offer at the Karachi franchise?

W.D:  Paramount Fine Foods embraces the fresh and healthy flavours of the Middle Eastern cuisine. The franchise brings with it authentic flavours and recipes, which have been passed down for generations and include sweet and savoury treats such as Kebabs, Falafel, Manakeesh, Shawarma to Baklawa and Kinafe, combined with traditional music and a warm welcoming staff promising to provide a pleasing ambiance.

You! Have you done any cooking shows on TV?

W.D: I had several TV appearances on cooking shows in Saudi Arabia back in 2006. Now, I am hosting several food-themed shows on various Canadian channels including, Rogers TV, Global News, CHCH TV.

You! Name some of your celebrity guests:

W.D:  I have been the personal chef for many celebrities and high profile personalities including H.R.H Saudi King and H.R.H Prince Al Walid Bin Talal. And had the opportunity to serve many actors, singers, artists etc.

You!  Is this your first visit to Pakistan? What has been your experience so far?

W.D: Yes, this is my first visit and I am really impressed by the warmth of Pakistani people and their hospitality. Pakistani chefs are quick learners and are very creative.

You! Do you plan to open chains in Lahore or Islamabad also?

W.D: Paramount is well known for their rapid expansion, Karachi is just the beginning. We are planning to open 30 more chains in Pakistan in the next five years.

 You! Your signature dish:

W.D: Lebanese authentic Bar-B Q platter

 You! How would you define your style?

W.D: I stick to the original traditional way of cooking using traditional spices and recipes.

 You! What do you love about this business/job? 

W.D:  I love everything about this profession - from experimenting different cuisines and visiting different countries. The best part is that you get to meet people from different cultures and it is such an exciting part.

You! How many chefs you have trained so far?

W.D: I have trained more than 100 chefs so far.  

You! Ingredients you can’t live without?

W.D:  Seven traditional spices of Lebanon. I always keep them with me wherever I go.

You! Who is your favourite chef?

W.D:  There are many talented chefs that I look up to but my all time favourite is Chef Paul Bocuse.

You! What is your favourite Pakistani food?

W.D: Biryani.

You! What’s the main difference you find between Pakistani and Lebanese food?

W.D: In Lebanon we focus more on the taste of meat where as in Pakistan the spices dominate the taste of meat.

You! Have you thought of compiling your own recipe book?

W.D: Yes, I am thinking of compiling my 1200 recipes in a book. It will come out soon. (I am working on it).

You! What would be your advice to someone who aspires to become a chef?

W.D: My advice to young chefs from age 20 to 30 is to be like a sponge. Absorb knowledge, learn with passion. Forget making money in the initial years. However, you start making money once you earn good reputation. Be persistent. 

You! What are the low points of becoming a chef?

W.D:  It’s a stressful industry. When everyone is enjoying night dinners, holidays and weekends, you have to be there to assure they are happy; yet it’s rewarding at the end of the day

 You! What do you do to relax?

W.D: I like to spend time with my family - my beautiful wife and two kids. Also I love taking photos.

You! Would you like to visit Pakistan again?

W.D: Yes, I would like to come again. It feels like home!