Introducing: Fring’s, the King West resto-lounge from Susur Lee and Drake

Our review of Fring's

Food & Drink

Review: Susur Lee’s Fring’s is far better than it needs to be

Name: Fring’s Neighbourhood: King West Contact: 455 King St. W., 416-979-9696, fringsrestaurant.com, @fringstoronto
Previously: Crush Wine Bar Owners:  Kai and Levi Bent-Lee (Bent), Susur Lee (Lee, Bent, Luckee), Angelo Ferraro (OVO crew member) and Aubrey “Drake” Graham Executive chef:  Susur Lee

The food

Bar snacks and comfort food, with the odd Asian twist. While Lee is responsible for the recipes, Kai and Levi designed the menu; it features flavours inspired by their travels and their mother’s home cooking. There are no actual frings here—the name comes from a patois term that the owners say describes a happy state of mind.  The closest the menu comes to fried-onion goodness are the J.K. Frites supplied by Kai’s and Levi’s childhood friend Micha Kennedy.

Organic salmon crudo with gluten-free ponzu, jalapeño, cilantro and green apple. $18.

Forno Cultura toast topped with avocado, pistachios, preserved lemon, black olives, fresh mint and sumac. $10.

Mom’s Homemade Sweet and Sour Meatballs, topped with parmesan and bread crumbs. $12.

Spicy Rigatoni Rosé with pancetta and parmesan. $24.

Caramel Monkey Bread with caramelized apple, English cream, salted caramel and hazelnut ice cream. $14.

The drinks

Signature cocktails, wine by the glass and bottle, and a small selection of sake. Of course there’s also a short list of baller champagne.

Proper Ting: Belvedere vodka, Cointreau, white cranberry and grape juices, lime juice and egg white. $16.

Coconut-Lime Mojito: Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum, Malibu coconut rum, coconut milk, lime juice and mint. $16.

The space

The 8,000-square-foot space was designed by Bent Gable Design (that’s Lee’s wife’s company) and is divided into three areas: a lounge, a dining area and a private room. A 100-seat patio will open in the summer.

The main dining room. Sweet mohair chairs.

The 24-seat private dining area, complete with marble fireplace and AV system (for fancy board meetings, or just to watch the game).

Two interesting facts: the bar is lined with pony hair, and those chandeliers are made with clear coat hangers.