Poutine is the stuff of legends, much to the chagrin of many Canadians. It is the one food non-Canadians seem to know the most about, and a snack of this heavy dish is at the top of the list for most visitors to Montreal. Even though it can be found throughout Canada, poutine got its start in Quebec back in the 1950s and truly is a collage—some would say train wreck—of ingredients. The classic recipe is simple, really: french fries topped with brown gravy and curd cheese. But this simple explanation really doesn’t do it justice. Like many other comfort foods, poutine may not be the healthiest dish, but there is just something satisfying about the experience. I love sharing a big bowl amongst friends, each armed with a fork scouting out the best fries and melty cheese curds as the gravy drips drop by drop into the bowl below. There are a thousand varieties of poutine, including BBQ, lobster, and even foie gras, but there’s nothing like the simple original version.
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I’m almost ashamed to admit to you how many times I visited La Banquise during one four-day trip to Montreal. Almost ashamed, but generally very proud to announce that I managed to put away the Classique on five separate occasions. Please don’t tell my mother. A Montreal institution since 1968, La Banquise is open 24 hours a day and is always exceptionally busy, no matter what time you stumble in or waddle out. The menu is extensive, but I can never quite bring myself to shy away from this old standard, the ultimate Canadian comfort food.
