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| - For our last stop in Montreal, both in this long-winding post and literally, I couldn't leave the city without trying the poutine and although we'd just eaten a filling breakfast at L'Avenue we made our way to La Banquise - what better than cheese curds, fresh frites, and gravy at 9am...or any time, 24/364?
While many in The States may not even be aware of what poutine is, the staple Montreal comfort food has apparently been around since the 1950's and featured prominently on most menus in the city in one way or another ($2 at Burger King, or $23 at APdC) I was told by no less than 5 people that La Banquise was where to get it - in one of no less than 30 varieties. A seemingly small place from the outside but much larger within I found the restaurant without difficulty and entering the doors was greeted by a small line as the open prep kitchen stood to the right with seating on the left. Given a few moments to make my selection from a menu on the wall or laminate version for dining in I was greeted in English and after placing the order plus a few minutes preparation time I emerged to the street with a Styrofoam clamshell of Poutine Classique.
Clocking in at $6.25 for what seemed to be about 6 pounds of food my first bite of the poutine more or less confirmed my thoughts about what good, classic gravy, fries, and cheese would taste like and while not as upscaled or refined other versions I'd tried in the past the words "comfort food" rang through with aplomb. Rich, starchy, salty, and at times crisp while at others silky the gravy was simple yet perfectly seasoned with plenty savory and a touch of sweet while the cheese curds were presented squeaky fresh yet slightly melted from the heat of the crisp, yet somewhat oily fries. A food no less comforting than mac n' cheese or spaghetti and meatballs this was one Montreal icon I could definitely embrace and with 30 options I'd gladly return on future visits...perhaps for a "real" breakfast, as they serve that (with a side dish of poutine) as well.
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