It's been barely a year since Toronto's most notorious chef, Marc Thuet, rebranded his flagship Thuet restaurant as Bite Me!, but already the space has gone through its second transformation in just two years. It's a radical reinvention to say the least. Now called Conviction, the restaurant is staffed entirely (with the exception of Thuet himself and his wife/business partner Biana Zorich) by ex-cons, both in the kitchen and at the front-of-the-house. Thuet, who himself has battled substance abuse and other left-of-the-law tendencies, is giving these former criminals the second chance that so few will provide.

If this sounds like a reality TV show concept, it's because it is. Cineflix has been shooting the process for City TV and will air as part of a behind-the-scenes documentary series about Thuet and Zorich. With Thuet's high-profile and over-the-top personality, it's kind of a surprise he hasn't taken to the small screen already.

Originally Conviction was planned to take place in an actual penitentiary, but due to security risks, Thuet was forced to find other means. Sacrificing his own restaurant to the concept can only be seen as a noble act, even if the whole project has "publicity stunt" written all over it. As for the cuisine, it continues Bite Me!'s march towards recession-friendly "modest gourmet" fare, with dishes like Spaghetti alla chitarra with yellowfin tuna and mentaiko, Pit-roasted Mennonite capon with sourdough and arugula salad, and Pork Belly pizza with roasted peppers and goat cheese.