Matt Blondin teams up with The Food Dudes to open a new snack bar

Chef Matt Blondin, the culinary whiz who helmed the kitchens at Acadia and Momofuku Daishō before going rogue last spring, is finally ready to settle down in a place of his own. Blondin has partnered up with owners of The Food Dudes (the catering company known for its food truck and other projects) to create Junk, a new snack bar slated to open later this year.

While the exact location is still up in the air, we’re told the space will be cozy (under 75 seats) and likely in the west end. As for the name, Blondin assures us it’s a reference to the décor, which will focus on salvaged and recycled finds, rather than the menu. “It’s going to be an innovative snack bar,” Blondin says, “with singular foodstuffs and cutting-edge libations.”

He expects Junk to launch by the end of summer. Meanwhile, The Food Dudes have another project in the works: Tabula Rasa, a new restaurant opening at the former Momo’s space near Harbord and Spadina this spring.