Introducing: Corktown Kitchen, a new neighbourhood local on King East

Name: Corktown Kitchen Neighbourhood: Corktown Contact: 354 King St. E., 416-901-1188, corktownkitchen.com, @CorktownKitcn
Previously: Weezie’s Owner and Chef: Matt Griffiths (Air Canada Centre, Ultra Supper Club, Five Doors North)

The Food: A few bistro standbys (burgers, steak frites, half chicken), as well as a couple dishes influenced by time Griffiths spent in Southeast Asia (fresh rolls, grilled shrimp) and a chalkboard of daily specials. “The chicken wings are what people have been talking about,” says Griffiths, of his applewood-smoked, bourbon-sauced wings. At the moment, Corktown Kitchen is open for dinner and weekend brunch.

The Drinks: A selection of tallboys (draught taps are in the bar’s future) and classic cocktails, each made with 2.5 ounces of booze. To prove customers are getting their money’s worth, the drinks are served in two parts: a glass of mix and its accompanying shot on the side. “People are taken aback by it at first,“says manager David William Martel. “But we’re doing this because we want to show you that you’re getting a huge amount of liquor.”

The Space: Brighter than Weezie’s (which had a ‘70s rec room feel to it) with a much bigger bar. “I dismantled the old bar myself,” says Griffiths. “It was a bit of an eyesore.” Right now, he’s working on getting his liquor license increased by another 10 people. When that happens, just as many more stools will sidle up to the bar.