Poutine Plus

Another poutine restaurant has cropped up in my neighborhood and is conveniently located across the street from Smoke's Poutiniere.  Now this is dangereux as the market for late night hangouts and inebriated snack time becomes populated with my favourite snack and when there's a long line up at one resto - i can just pop into the alternative yikes!  Reminder that I need to figure out my gym routine!!

Poutine Plus is very french Canadian kitch - you can see it from the bare bones decor of Canadiana souvenirs including maple syrup and of course hockey paraphernalia - however it lives up to it's name and provides us with more than poutine on their menu.  There are sandwiches such Montreal smoked meat and Canadian Back bacon and the world famous Nathan's hotdogs.  A brief sidebar history lesson on Nathan's hot dogs:   Founded  in 1916 by a Polish Immigrant, Nathan Handwerker where he sold these hotdogs out of a stand.  They gained fame for the unequaled quality and taste of its product with celebrities, politicians and sport figures alike.  The hot dogs were even featured in a "Seinfeld" episode. Today, Nathan’s has gained reputation for being among the highest quality hot dogs in the world.  And let me tell you I thought they were very good at Poutine Plus so I would definitely stand behind the claim.
Now on to the poutine- there are 11 poutines to choose from on the menu and I usually opt for the traditional but this time - we asked the owner Chris Desjardin for his recommend.  Out came a Montreal smoked meat poutine all dressed with mustard and a pickle and the "I am Canadian" poutine with back bacon and sweet honey mustard.
First, let's dissect the basics.   The french fries were not as crispy but I figured it was because they were drenched with the numerous toppings.  I do like

my fries salty and crispy but at this time I was a wee tipsy and was happy there were 2 poutines in front of me.  The gravy is made from slowed cooked roast beef - right there, I was a happy camper.  It was a dark brown, rich sauce with just the right consistency and seasoning.

The curds are legitimate and squeaky which made me smile inside.  Now honestly, I thought the sweetness of the "I am Canadian" was a little off putting for me and it's because I'm just a traditionalist.  The Montreal smoked meat made me crave Schwartz's deli in Montreal.. i liked that a pickle came with the poutine... a little hint of sour never hurts anyone.

Although some of the poutines were similar to the ones from the 'other place', I enjoy that there's enough versatility on the menu with shrimp, breakfast and southern flavours!    In time, we will see who will reign king of the poutine supremacy but I believe there's always room for more poutine!   
*** 1/2 stars
Poutine Plus
657 Queen st. west, Toronto, ON M6J1E6 (416) 644-9793 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (416) 644-9793      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
www.poutineplus.com