Poutine

So we all knew I couldn't go to Quebec without getting some authentic poutine. For those of you who don't know, poutine is comprised of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It's beginning to take hold in the states as we move away from the calorie counting and towards the decadent.

Here in Cleveland you can get something similar at the Greenhouse Tavern if you order gravy fries. Order it "Animal style" and they'll top it with bacon, fried eggs, and whole mustard. With all that fat I was slightly surprised at how bland it was.

In Chicago you can order pig face poutine at the Barrelhouse Flat which is basically fries topped with delicious pulled pork cheek and caramelized onions. There's also the newly opened BadHappy Poutine shop, which I haven't been to yet, but can't wait to try.

With my love of all things french fried and fatty, I was eager to taste the real deal. The important thing to remember is that if you don't start with good fries, no matter how much stuff you pile on top, it's not going to be that good.

To my delight, at the foot of the Domaine Forget hill there is a roadside stand called Chez Ginette that serves fabulous poutine. Good fries, good gravy, good cheese curds, served steaming in a styrofoam container...eaten at a picnic bench on the side of the road. To drink, a case of Moosehead lager from the liquor store next door. Oh, Canada...how great you are!