For those of you that are still ambiguous to poutine and what it is, we will break it down to you in simple terms: it is a Quebec dish, made with French fries, topped with brown gravy and curd cheese. That is what poutine started as and what it continues to be famous for.
Somehow in the past short while, poutine has climbed its fatty, tasty ways into becoming a global food phenomenon. What does this mean? Chefs around the world, and specifically in our home province of Quebec, have made it a mission to add spice, class and variety to this otherwise simplistic composition – and that is where Montreal’s first-ever Poutine Week comes in.
Presented by Montreal Food Week, Poutine Week MTL is the latest addition to the fun food weeks that includes the previously successful Burger Week. Co-created by food blogger, Notable.ca columnist and our dear friend Na’eem Adam (Le Méchant Mangeur), the week consists of a unique dining experience that allows poutine lovers and newbies to discover and savour amazing poutines specially priced at 30 carefully selected restaurants all over Montreal. Special events, including a calorie burning fitness events and celebrity poutine parties, will be held throughout the week. Restaurants like Bevo Pizzeria, La Mauvaise Réputation, Poutineville and Blackstrap BBQ will be among some of the special spots you can enjoy a sizzling poutine.
This will not be just about eating, but everyone that will sample the variety of poutines will be able to vote online for their top pick. There will also be celebrity tasters like Montreal Alouettes’ Shea Emry, radio personalities Ric Peterson and Rebecca Makonnen, Olympian Tracy Little, and others to help determine the best poutine in the city.
The kick-off party will take place at Globe on January 31st with DJ ZO and DJ Abeille spinning the funky beats while the Poutine Week guys Na’eem Adam, Thierry Rassam and Jason Mainella will be on premise socializing and educating guests on the art of the fry. The night will offer $1 oysters, a special table d’hote menu and wine bottles… all at just $33. Your Notable secret: If you reserve beforehand and mention it’s for Poutine Week, everyone at your table (under the reservation) gets a free poutine by the awesome chef Jean-François Baril.
The official start of Poutine Week is February 1st and it goes until the 7th. The extra special part? Proceeds of this event will be going towards The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation.
