More Than Just Real Estate - Kristin Radoilova and sabale
Kristin Radoilova created the cinnamon roll bakery y dough. A year after that she created sabale — a place for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and pastries. Her partners in this mission are Yordan Zhechev, Vasil Petrakov and Yvetta Lukova.
How did the idea to create sabale come about and what is its main distinguishing feature (the concept)?
I've always missed a place in Sofia that opens early and serves a good breakfast. That's how the idea for sabale was born. In the morning, we offer breakfast, then lunch, and throughout the day, there are pastries, drinks, and coffee. The place is self-service, and the focus forever remains on clean, simple, and straightforward food with the best possible local products.
What’s the idea behind the name? How did you come up with the name 'sabale'?
I heard the word “sabale” from my grandmother when I was little. It somehow imprinted in my mind, and when it was time to come up with a name for the place, “early” and “morning” seemed characterless. “sabale” fit perfectly.
How did you manage to find your dream location for sabale?
When I discovered the large, high, and beautiful space at 11 Georgi Benkovski Street, I didn't want to go to any other viewing. I thought only about it, I wanted only it. I saw my idea unfold there and only there. I connected with First Estates, who were with me throughout the entire process of negotiating and renting the space. If it weren't for them at the very beginning, there wouldn't be sabale. At least not as it is now.
Why is the space you work in more than just real estate?
The space is full of history and soul. When I rented it, I discovered that beneath the floor's coating, there was a mosaic created back in 1922. We set a goal and spent a lot of time uncovering and restoring it. We also restored other parts of the space to their former version. Subsequently, we made the kitchen entirely open, so all our guests can see us, the products, the food, the processes. We want to be close to them and have no barriers. We want them to see the faces that are there very early in the morning to serve them good eggs with good bread and butter. A space is just a space until we fill it with heart, soul, and emotions.
What should one try first at sabale? What is your signature dish?
The first thing to try at our place is the eggs — scrambled or an omelette. Or a breakfast plate with whipped butter. Or avocado toast. Our absolute bestseller is the grilled cheese sandwich with three types of Bulgarian cheese, which goes along with tomato soup. But don't miss the soft serve ice cream. Find room for it.
What do you think about the development of restaurant culture in Sofia and Bulgaria at this moment?
There are so many things missing from the culinary scene in Sofia. But more and more people from other fields are leaving their jobs and diving into creating them. This brings a different perspective and another approach to the industry, which I find very valuable. I wish more places were obsessive about choosing the highest quality products to bring into their kitchens. I also wish more places paid attention to the interior and made it different from what we are used to seeing everywhere here. Everything new and different is extremely necessary and welcome.
What is your favorite decorative element in this interior?
I adore our open kitchen. The mosaic floor that we restored. The way we divided the space into two — “cold,” which is the kitchen and all the gray in it; and “warm,” which is the seating area for people with wood as the main element. I love the big mirror at the end of the space, as well as the mirrors in the restrooms—they are all made of stainless steel but so thin that they are reflective, I love this detail. I also love the way the light falls on the tables by the windows. And the high ceilings. And the large communal table. I love sabale very much.
Name your three favorite places in Sofia
Besides «y dough» and «sabale»? Hmm, I would say: dinner at Sol or Fake French, cocktails at 3 oz or Local, bagels from Obred, bread from iHlyab, drinks and atmosphere at Zh.
Project by @firstestatesagency
Featuring @sabalesofia
Photography&edits @tattio @tatianalebed.ph
Creative direction @annagreenwich