Some people think of poutine and they're disgusted...fries, gravy AND cheese curds? Some people think of poutine and probably picture a bowlful of fat or the culinary representation of a heart attack. Not me! I love poutine. It is probably one of the most comforting and satisfying foods for me. Now, if I could eat really good poutine everyday without any consequences, I would! Of course, it's really hard to find a good poutine place, especially in Vancouver.
We shared a classic large poutine ($6.99) and Shane had a beer. Now, they have many variations on the poutine on their menu (like Monteal Smoked Beef Poutine, and Chicken Steak Poutine), but I really prefer the classic. It arrived in a large bowl, the fries, gravy and curds piled up like a mountain. Steam was rising from it. It looked spectacular.
Of course there are the three components one must evaluate: fries, curds and gravy. The fries here at Belgian fries are quite good, though not the best I've had. However, they were golden, and crunchy--more than adequate.
The curds were really good. They were melty, but still had that necessary 'squeak' when you bit into them. It's also crucial that the curds were interspersed throughout the fries, and not just put on top. They did this right, because you didn't have the problem of getting to the bottom of the bowl and just finding fries and gravy. This way, you have each of the three component in every bite, and there was a range of melted-ness to the curds, which gave the textural variety. These were probably the best curds I've had in Vancouver.
However, where the poutine fails is the mushroom gravy (which makes this dish vegetarian). It had a really nice colour and consistency, but it was bland, and tasted artificial. This was not good, as gravy is really crucial. But this gravy definitely let the dish down. This was what I remembered too, from the last time we were there.
The poutine at Belgian Fries is not bad, but it's not the greatest either. It was a satisfying meal, and very affordable. But it could have been really, really good. Nevertheless, this place has its fans, and that's great. But me, I'm still looking for a really, really great poutine....
i finally had a plate of fries the other day and i thought of your post several days ago. i thought of you!
ReplyDeleteYay! Hope it was satisfying....
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of fries from Belgium, I just think of dipping them in mayo. I am going to have to try poutine, perhaps a New Years resolution that I can actually keep :)
ReplyDeletemmmm i love the poutine here. i'm also veggie so i don't mind the mushroom gravy. perfect for me. thx for reminding me abt this place!
ReplyDeleteThere is a new poutine place in Davie called La Belle Patate. And, yes, their cheese curd did "squeak" when you bite into it! Just to make sure, on that visit, I brought my Quebecois friend and he liked it so that settles it for me. For the rest of the details of my visit, check my post here: http://imonlyhereforthefood.com/2009/12/la-belle-patate/
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