Tomer grew up in the sun-kissed Middle East, lucky to be surrounded by a large family who knew how to make the most of the incredible ingredients available locally and were able to find inspiration from cuisines from a variety of backgrounds, namely Iraqi, Persian and Moroccan. After being introduced to the professional kitchen and working under well-known chefs in his home city of Tel Aviv, he took this knowledge and enthusiasm with him when he travelled in Australia, gaining more techniques and skills on the way, eventually landing in New Zealand. With the inspiring backdrop of the Southern Alps, he honed his skills of working with meat and seafood. We met while working at the same restaurant and got married 2 years later before embarking on a new adventure together in Israel. Tomer worked extremely hard and for very well respected chefs, Tel Aviv being a city of wonderful restaurants of every type. After 7 years there, which included the arrival of our daughter, we moved to Bristol, and a slightly more relaxed pace of life! Tomer has been working at the much-loved Falafel King in Cotham Hill, serving delighted customers with delicious vegan and vegetarian meals, proving that he can pretty much turn his hand to any kind of cuisine. Being on furlough over the past year has provided the opportunity for him to really let loose with his creativity. Following a neighbour's plea in the first lockdown to cook for them as they were tired of producing so many meals, the idea for Tavlin Kitchen was born. Tavlin means Spice (not the 'hot' variety!) in Hebrew and when you taste Tomer's food you will know why we chose that word! Now we are so excited to cook for our local area and introduce you to the style of cooking that is closest to Tomer's heart, but most of all to make your tummies and taste buds very happy!
