Seasons Turn

With new businesses opening on both sides of the Dufferin and College intersection, this former non-destination is getting trendier (The Common, Hoop Driver Bicycles, Me and Mine, Tavoos). In the old days, I regularly witnessed drunks sitting out on the stoop, a wizened leprechaun expounding on world affairs, and one time, a dude high on illegal substances jumping through the window of his run-down ground-level apartment onto the sidewalk. Lesson learned: it's a lot bloodier crashing through glass in real life than in the movies.

The drunks have moved, though I still see them pushing their cart of empty bottles now and then. The old man has probably passed on. And that crime scene: it's now a small organic store called Senisi Fine Foods. Curious, I dropped by for lunch on Sunday.

It was a two-level store: the roomier front had shelves of juice, sauces, dried good, and other foodstuff; the low-ceiling back, after you descended a few steps, contained a small kitchen for to-go items. I ordered a Turkey sandwich ($7.50) and a bag of Kettle chips ($2). The sandwich came on a sub with turkey slices, roasted red peppers, avocado, and a tangy sauce. It was a bit messy, as the ingredients slid around when you bite. It was an average lunch. They also offered mini pizza (looking rather sad inside the glass case) and organic gelato.