If you are looking for authentic no-fuss no-muss poutine, this is the place our Quebecois friends swear by. And it did not disappoint. Frites Alors is a chain with locations along the hip streets of Montreal; this location on Rue Saint Laurent was convenient and close to other well-known Montreal eateries like Schwartz's Deli and a Juliette et Chocolat branch.
First, Frites Alors endeared itself to me by using a font from Tintin comics, and the perfect aroma of well-cooked and seasoned fries that enveloped us upon entering. The standard poutine is Le Vladimir (a nice pun on the name "Putin"); unfortunately there is a poutine named after George Bush with steak (please change the name, Frites!). We each had a Stewart's Cherry Soda and La Frites Alors Poutine, with peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The veloute and fries and cheese curds tasted great together. The cheese especially was so authentic. Don't order anything bigger than a small unless you're sharing.