Fried chicken lands in Kensington

Kensington Market is getting a new snack shop, and, in a break with neighbourhood tradition, it will sell something other than tacos. The Dirtybird is looking to bring what it calls “northern-fried” chicken (and waffles) to the city. It will open on March 4 in what was once part of the Kensington Café. Behind the bird is chef Adrian Forte, who has previously worked in the kitchens of Rock Lobster and The Libertine. The unlicensed space will focus on takeout orders, but for those who don’t like to walk with their waffle, there will be seating for 16. And what’s with the “northern-fried” tagline? “All of our signature chicken and waffles are served with maple syrup derivatives such as maple butter, or a maple seasoning blend, all crafted in-house from locally sourced 100-per-cent pure maple syrup,” explains Forte. His signature dish, “The Dirty Club,” consists of a boneless leg and thigh between a folded waffle, topped with beef bacon, butter lettuce, tomato and maple aioli. Fans of fried fowl can watch for Forte’s appearance on Chopped Canada later next month.

The Dirtybird, 79 Kensington Ave., thedirtybird.ca, @dirtybirdto