IN THE KITCHEN Ferry Street Food & Drink in Malden is the collaboration of husband-and-wife team Jason and Shannon Ladd, who met while studying cuisine at Johnson & Wales in Providence. While Jason prepares the savory dishes, Shannon makes the desserts, which range from crème brulee to chocolate pot de crème to a seasonal cheesecake. Jason is from Texas, so a Southern influence can be seen in some of the dishes, though Shannon notes they are not a Southern-cuisine place. Their mission, she says, is to do simple dishes well in a warm pub atmosphere. She adds, “We do it all up in jeans and a T-shirt.” The Ladds liked the Malden area and the idea of creating a restaurant for the community that would not require a drive into Boston. So far they have seen a lot of support since they opened last May, with locals even trekking in during the recent snowstorms. They stay active in the community by participating in programs like Malden Reads and Malden Eats.

THE LOCALE Warm pub atmosphere? Definitely, achieved through wood-paneled walls and wood floors, a long bar, and split-level dining. Sports play on the TVs over the bar, which Jason’s brother runs. He focuses on smaller brewers, even offering beer flights ($7) for those who want to sample the varied selection. There is an interesting cocktail list — and even mocktail options, as Ferry Street has been a popular spot for baby showers. The Hemingway daiquiri ($12), with white rum, lime and grapefruit juices, and maraschino cherry liqueur, is zippy and bright, while the Ferry Street gin and juice ($10), a mix of Wire Works gin, pomegranate juice, mulled cider, Domaine de Canton, and ginger ale, is lightly sweet and easy to drink.