Former Origin chef Steve Gonzalez is opening a new place for Latin American street food on King West

Best known as the beloved class clown on season one of Top Chef Canada, Steve Gonzales, a former chef de cuisine at Claudio Aprile’s Origin, is starting his own restaurant in the 3000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Cheval nightclub. The Latin American spot is named Valdez and seats 120-140, plus a lounge area and rooftop patio. Gonzales spent the last two years doing pop ups and events (and winning the Guacamole Smackdown at the Drake Hotel), and Valdez is his first foray as a chef and restaurant owner. It’s scheduled to open at the end of the month. [The Grid]