Perhaps second time is a charm because the first one sure wasn't memorable. On a cold summer day many years back (cuz it's Montreal and it's ALWAYS cold) I chanced upon this fancy poutine joint with table service and all. I was lead to believe that somehow table service with a French accent and limitless options for your poutine is a sure winner. Several years later, thinking back all I can say is...MEH. I can see the appeal to the masses; variety and variety with a French label.
It's both a blessing and a curse that this infamous place has made inroads in our great city. For one, it will put some pressure on the likes of the Smokes empire to step up their game from just feasting on the poor souls of this city that have never had a well made poutine. Unfortunately, they do bring more mediocrity as well and a misconception that a good poutine must have 15 ingredients and limitless options. I would say they are definitely one-up over Smokes for sure but maybe just half a step up.
The only shiny star of this meal was the gravy. It's flavourful and light like liquid gold. The other components are lackluster to say the least. I had their house special potatoes instead of fries and my gums still hurt from all that gnawing. This stuff is triple-fried perhaps? Not sure but I felt like I was a rock crusher. The cheese is decent and the rest of the ingredients taste like they should - unremarkable.