Two devout Lebanese brothers started this restaurant enterprise in 2006 in Toronto, the largest city of Canada that attracts many Middle Eastern immigrants, and creates a demand for specialties of their hoe countries.

Paramount caters mainly this market segment, but also attracts many who like to explore other cuisines.

Middle Eastern food is labour-intensive and few housewives have enough time to devote hours to prepare stuffed grape leaves, hummus-bi-tahini, kibbe, falafel, shawarma etc

Paramount owns and operates nine restaurants in GTA (Greater Toronto Area). Most of them are in plazas, with ample parking.

Being a Muslim-owned restaurant chain, there is no pork on the menu, nor is there any alcoholic beverage.

The concept is unique in that you are seated by a hostess, and graciously told to remember the table number. Then you study the menu, which contains in addition to specialties mentioned above, pizza-like dishes topped with a variety of ingredients, and desserts.

Then you proceed to the cash to pay in advance and you indicate your table number. The food is delivered within a few minutes, and all at once, which makes for a crammed tabletop.

While, hummus-bi-tahine was fine, the falafel was hopelessly overcooked, as was the skewered lamb. (Note: Middle Eastern people like their meat well done as abattoirs and meat distribution in those countries leave a lot to be desired).

I did not order dessert, and left the pita since tasted like leather.

If you are interested in exploring Middle Eastern style glorified fast food, Paramount is worth a try.

(Note: I ate at 2450 Sheppard Avenue East. Other outlets feature the same menu, but may prepare the food differently.