I never know what I’ll find when I pull into the parking spot at the back of my shop near Dufferin and Eglinton. On a good day a garbage bag, or two, and some empty cans of beer. It’s never dangerous, but our laneway is rough living. Things are shaping up though since our new neighbour Mackenzie moved next door. He’s cleaned up the back, he’s renovated the inside, and he’s fixed up the retail shop. He’s getting ready.
Mackenzie moved his whole family from Vancouver to start a new life in a more affordable city. Toronto’s that city, unbelievable as that may seem. Mackenzie is an easy-going guy. Despite his 14-hour days, he always makes time to say hello and talk a little. He’s getting ready to open up a Korean fried chicken take-out restaurant: Fry Town.
I got a taste of his Korean style fried chicken at the soft opening of Fry Town, and it was deee-scrumptious: delicious and scrumptious at the same time. Ten pieces of chicken with fries and a drink for less than $20. Good food and large portions: Vancouver’s loss is our gain.
Mackenzie’s arrival and his clean-up coincided with Metrolinx’s clean-up of the laneway. It’s been re-paved. And the graffiti painted over. So, our Dufferin and Eglinton corner isn’t perfect, but it looks a lot better. I think the new look, Mackenzie, and Fry Town are the future of Eglinton and Dufferin. If you’re close by, come into Fry Town and get a taste of things to come.
