Chef Mark Thuet staffs his aptly named new eatery, Conviction, with (you guessed it) ex-cons

Does the notion of a kitchen staffed by knife wielding, cleaver swinging, mallet armed ex-convicts make you reconsider your dinner reservations? Well, it shouldn't. Chef Mark Thuet, with wife and business partner Biana Zorich, have opened the doors to their most recent palette pleasing venture, Conviction, a restaurant staffed both in the kitchen and front-of-house by recently rehabilitated ex-convicts.

Calling the restaurant a "social experiment," Thuet reassures the public that these are ex-cons who were convicted of non-violent crimes; some having struggled with substance abuse, a plight Thuet personally empathises with. Having lived a colourful and sordid life himself, Thuet understands the passion his staff has to overcome their pasts and prove to everyone there's more to them than a rap sheet and looking good in a striped jumper.

With a moderately priced menu, positive reviews of food and service, and enough intrigue to kill even the least curious of cats, Conviction offers one tempting date night option. While this writer has tried to, mostly, steer clear of prison puns, a quote from Macleans seems a perfect conclusion:  "..when you next dine at one of Thuet's restaurants, you may want to think twice before complaining that your steak was overdone. And thrice before checking your coat."

For more information visit Conviction at www.convictionrestaurant.com

Located at 609 King St. W, Toronto

By Kendel Doyle