WISSAM BREIDY

TV personality and restaurateur Wissam Breidy answers 12 of Taste & Flavors’ most burning questions and cooks a gourmet dish only for T&F

How did you start your career?

I graduated from Lebanese University with a degree in Political Science and Business Management. While still in school, I competed and won the “Studio el Fan” talent show as a presenter. I started in radio and then moved on to TV and eventually media consultancy and training.

If you weren’t a TV host, what would you be?

A pilot.

How did you get into the restaurant business?

We started with another concept called Table 7. After I did the show “Dinner in the Sky” with Chef Maroun Chedid, I decided to have my own restaurant, Kronfol and Chef Maroun is our consultant. It’s pure Lebanese food with a touch of 2016 for the contemporary setting.

What’s your favorite Lebanese food?

Everything – I love homemade food. My favorite is probably mouloukhieh.

Non-Lebanese food?

I love Italian because it’s also like homemade. Gnocchi is my favorite and anything related to truffles. I enjoy real food – cooked food not just ingredients stacked on top of each other.

Healthy food?

The Lebanese cuisine is very healthy, based on organic, in season products.

Do you cook at home?

No. I don’t cook usually, but I enjoy food and I watch other people cook. I do have an amazing palate though. I’m the taster.

Any hobbies?

I enjoy hunting. Hunting everything…… I’m a tennis player. I enjoy hiking. When I travel, my main attraction is restaurants because food reflects the culture of the country you are in. Food reflects everything.

What’s the secret behind your charming smile?

A smile is the key that unlocks everybody’s heart.

What are your life goals?

1. To have a family.
2. To have Kronfol be a success story around the world.
3. To further my television career.