On a recent trip to Canada, I noticed that folks up there had a different type of late night food craving. After a big night in Los Angeles, standard grub is usually a bacon wrapped hot dog (dirty dog) or a carne asada burrito. After the bars closed up there, we saw lines forming outside small cafes which specialized in Poutine. Pronounced “Pooh - teen”, this greasy concoction consists of french fries, melted cheese curds, and brown gravy poured on top. Many other toppings can be added to this dish, which originated in Quebec. Here is my first Poutine from Zog’s in the Whistler Village.

Zogs Dogs

4340 Sundial Cres RR 4
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 938-6644
The dish is so popular in Canada, that it is sold in fast food chains like McDonalds, but is also served in fine dining restaurants. There are many regional variations of the dish. There is Montreal, Greek, Donair, and Breakfast styles. One of the more popular versions is Italian Poutine (also from Zogs pictured below) which has spaghetti sauce instead of the gravy.

One of the more memorable Poutine experiences of the trip was at Fritz’s European Fry House which is known to serve the best Poutine in Vancouver. The spot is located in the heart of downtown Couver and is packed with “Poutine-heads”. They also offer lots and LOTS of dipping sauces for your poutine. What makes a greasy dish like Poutine even better? Your choice of Several mayo-based dipping sauces. The one below has a hefty serving of garlic mayo on the side. It was some “wicked good poutine”.

Fritz’s European Fry House

718 Davie St.(at Granville)
Vancouver BC
V6Z 1B6
(604) 684-0811

It is even a verb at some restaurants in Canada. To “poutinized” something, is to add cheese curds and brown gravy to it. One day, I will “poutinize” a dirty dog.

Tags: Restaurant Reviews · Travel · Food ·