The Rubinos’ Latest Bacchanal
The foodie brothers believe it’s time to party again
Ten years ago, the fraternal foodies (that’s Michael, the business brain, and Guy, the chef) introduced pan-Asian glamour to the city’s restaurant scene with the clubby Rain. Now they’ve shaken things up again, partnering with party czar Charles Khabouth to give the same Mercer Street address a recession-defying overhaul, a revamped menu and a new name, kind of: Ame means Rain in Japanese.
How did you decide to split the duties?
Michael: We grew up in a traditional Italian family. Pickling vegetables, curing meat, making our own sauces. Both of us are lifelong food people, but the kitchen is too hot for me, and Guy’s not great with people, so we try to keep him behind the scenes.
How does a traditional Italian kid become a Japanese chef?
Guy: I had never even tried Asian food until I moved in with three Chinese guys when I was 18. It was like discovering gold.
You’re not much of a locavore.
Guy: I love the spirit, but it’s simple: we buy local when it’s the best. People will make a big deal over buying local, then hop in their SUVs to drive to the corner for milk.
Michael: Or like when restaurateurs make a huge deal out of eating local, then have an international wine list.
Guy: Exactly. And after the summer that we’ve had, if I want to buy cherries, I’m going to buy them from Washington.
Will Ame be more of a nightlife destination now that you’re working with Khabouth?
Michael: We’re going to have a great lounge area and stay open late. Plus, we’re very serious about our cocktails. Toronto is way behind cities like New York and even Vancouver in terms of mixology. We’re still drinking crantinis.
Do you feel like gluttons for punishment opening a fine-dining restaurant in this economy?
Guy: Every day. But what am I going to do? Roll over and die? Take up fishing?
The best thing about working together?
Michael: You can yell, get pissed off, but you’ll always be family.
And the worst?
Michael: You’re stuck together. It’s like a marriage.
Guy: And even worse, because you can’t get a divorce.
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