There’s a new kid on the Block, Cleaver & Cork. And that Block is KC Live in the Power & Light District. FINALLY!  Aside from BRGR, the district is populated with chain restaurants or those owned by a national outfit. Yes, technically Cleaver & Cork is owned by an affiliate of the Cordish Companies, but it is being independently run by a team of local hotshots. Alex Pope of Local Pig is the culinary director, and he has brought in Chef Andrew Heimburger, previously at Pigwich and Local Pig, to helm the kitchen. Eric Willey, former GM at Bluestem, is managing partner and oversees Cleaver & Cork’s wine list. Rounding out the dream team is Andrew Olson, former bartender at the Rieger, who is the man in charge of cocktails.

Situated in the former Maker’s Mark space, the meat-centic restaurant has been completely renovated. Reclaimed wood from a barn in Kansas is used to great effect, and old logging skids show up as chandeliers to evoke meat hooks. The soft colors make for a soothing look, but with all the hard surfaces, a beautiful long bar and a great patio space adjacent to KC Live, the vibe promises to be anything but sedate.

Alex Pope is a talented guy, and he brings the same creativity to this menu as he has to his previous ventures.  Pork jowl with fried grits and roasted jalapeno, Cheese Curds and Pickles, Local Pig sausage soup, Oyster Mushroom salad with chipotle vinaigrette, and Zucchini Fritters with fresh ricotta and citrus jam get diners off to an adventurous start, though there are definitely more tame options available.

Entreés include several pastas, fish and seafood selections (including a perfectly cooked Salmon with Fennel Risotto as a colorful counterpoint), as well as a Fried Pork Chop with heirloom white beans, Pork Osso Bucco, Smoked Ribeye and BBQ pork shoulder, to name a few of the meat dishes.

Don’t even think about skipping dessert while you’re there. The Smoked Creme Brulee is a winner, as is Chef Andrew’s take on my hometown gooey butter cake. The Pecan Butter Cake is a less rich version, allowing room to enjoy the bourbon ice cream and salted caramel that accompanies it.

It’s clear that Cleaver & Cork is also serious about its Happy Hour, with great deals on beer, wine and cocktails from 4- 7 pm on weeknights. And many menu items, including one of the best burgers in town, are 1/2 priced.

With Big 12 tournament action and a beautiful forecast, make the time to check out Cleaver & Cork this weekend. But unlike most restaurants in the P&L District, this is a destination all its own regardless of what’s going down at the Sprint Center or elsewhere downtown. If, as I suspect it will be, Cleaver & Cork is a success, I’m hoping Cordish is paying attention and will consider replacing some of the not-so-great chains with more local flavor.