t is becoming quite evident that I am getting older and my pickings have become less obvious with the sprouting of new eateries left, right and centre here in Toronto. With my vision deteriorating and my body running out of fuel, it will only be time until another lounge-y type pops ups to satisfy my digestive juices or at least, something worthy of the breakdown.

If you’ve done time at Supermarket, the Kensington Market’s hot spot, the transition has become that much easier: the club – often stuffed to the rafters with suburbanites, which makes ordering a drink almost impossible – has spawned a new little brother resto-bar in the heart of Little Italy.

After holding their collective breath, Supermarket owners Greg Bottrell and Robert Eklove closed up their beloved Tempo bar, gave it a facelift and voila, “mini-market by Tempo” is born. Both restaurants relate to one another as conjoined twins would. However, the only major modification between (rest in peace) Tempo bar and mini-market is the style of eating – Izakaya – the sharing of small plates of food and drink in a casual setting.

Bubble lighting and votive candles elevates the familiar space to a place far above the typical area bar. Soft music and a down-to-earth, neighbourhood vibe put everyone at ease. Throw in a few Izakaya small plates and a round of Shochu cocktails and we’re far removed from the ebb and flow of nightclub-era; and the atmo is intimate; what more could a night owl desire?