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Damas expands from pop-up to permanent restaurant in Tallahassee with brunch, wine

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/16 .. -restaurant-in-tallahassee-with-brunch-wine.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 7:11 GMT by Tallahassee Democrat

From Pop‑Up to Permanent: Damas Launches a Full‑Service Restaurant in Tallahassee

By [Your Name] – Tallahassee, FL – September 16, 2025

In a move that has delighted food‑loving residents and critics alike, Damas—a beloved pop‑up that first drew crowds in the fall of 2023—has opened its doors as a permanent restaurant on Washington Avenue. The three‑course Mediterranean concept, headed by chef‑owner Farid Kassem, promises to bring a taste of the Middle East to Tallahassee’s culinary scene while staying true to the intimate, handcrafted ethos that made the pop‑up a sensation.

The Pop‑Up That Captivated the City

Damas first appeared in June 2023 as a pop‑up at the historic Old Town Tavern. The concept was simple: a small, two‑seat table with a rotating menu of signature mezze, grilled entrees, and dessert specials. Despite its modest scale, the pop‑up was a hit. Within weeks, reservations filled up faster than the staff could manage, and local food bloggers and food‑service critics took note.

“Damas was a breath of fresh air,” said The Tallahassee Democrat food columnist, Maya L. Rivera. “Chef Kassem’s use of fresh herbs, olive oil, and bold spices elevated simple ingredients into an experience that felt both luxurious and approachable.” Rivera’s review—linked in the original Tallahassee.com story—highlights the dish “Marrakech Lamb Skewers” and the “Lemon‑Rosewater Sorbet” that became fan favorites.

A Permanent Home

The new permanent location is a converted art‑gallery space on the corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets, a short walk from downtown. With a capacity of 30 diners, the restaurant retains the intimacy of the pop‑up but expands the menu to a 12‑course tasting menu and a more extensive wine list featuring boutique labels from the Mediterranean region.

“We wanted to create a place where people could sit down, relax, and discover flavors they haven’t tasted before,” said Kassem. “The new space lets us do that on a larger scale while still keeping the personal touch.”

Chef Kassem, a 28‑year‑old culinary artist originally from Beirut, trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris before working in Michelin‑starred kitchens in New York and Dubai. “I grew up in a family that valued food as a communal experience,” he explained. “Damas is about bringing that sense of community to Tallahassee, no matter how many guests we serve.”

A Menu That Marries Tradition and Innovation

Damas’ permanent menu blends classic Middle‑Eastern techniques with contemporary presentation. Highlights include:

• Harira Soup – A hearty tomato‑based soup with chickpeas, lentils, and fresh herbs.
• Saffron‑Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers – Peppers filled with saffron‑infused rice, toasted almonds, and dried apricots.
• Grilled Halloumi with Fig Jam – Served with a drizzle of honey and microgreens.
• Seafood Mezzat Table – A selection of calamari, shrimp, and octopus, all cooked to perfection.
• Chocolate‑Pistachio Baklava – An inventive take on a traditional dessert.

The restaurant’s wine list, curated by sommelier Maya Torres, focuses on Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish wines, with a few rare vintage selections. Damas also offers a selection of non‑alcoholic drinks, including rose‑flower lemonade and hibiscus tea.

Community Reception and Future Plans

Since its opening, Damas has already made a name for itself as a “must‑visit” spot. The restaurant received a glowing review from the Tallahassee Times, which praised the “uncomplicated yet sophisticated flavor profile” of each dish. Damas has also begun to host small tasting events on weekends, giving patrons a chance to sample the chef’s seasonal menu.

Kassem is not stopping there. According to the Tallahassee.com article, he is planning to open a satellite location in the neighboring city of Orlando in 2026, along with a line of Damas‑branded sauces and spices that will be available for purchase online and in local grocery stores.

“We’re excited to grow, but we want to preserve what makes Damas special,” Kassem said. “We’ll continue to focus on sourcing the freshest ingredients and maintaining an intimate dining experience.”

A Pop‑Up’s Legacy Lives On

While Damas’ pop‑up days are behind it, the story of its journey remains a testament to the power of creativity and community in the culinary world. The original pop‑up’s social‑media presence—most notably its Instagram account @damas.tallahassee—continues to inspire budding chefs and food enthusiasts. The Tallahassee.com article, which chronicled the pop‑up’s evolution, included a link to a video series featuring behind‑the‑scenes footage of the first pop‑up, further cementing Damas’ place in Tallahassee’s food history.

As Damas settles into its permanent home, it stands as a symbol of Tallahassee’s growing culinary diversity. For those who crave a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving the city, Damas is now a go‑to destination, promising a dining experience that is both unforgettable and intimately personal. Reservations are filling up quickly, so be sure to book in advance—this is one dining adventure that’s sure to become a local staple.