How could Rhys come to Montreal and not enjoy one of our very own delicacies? However, this combination of deliciousness is a better experience knowing the provenance: Although there is no one written record stating that poutine was born "here" in the year "xxxx" there are several claims to its origins within Quebec. One such claim is that a man named Ferdinand Lachance from Warwick, QC said in 1957 "ça va faire une maudite poutine" ("it will make a damn mess"), and thus giving birth to the blessed poutine. Though some try to adulterate this sacred dish with meat, herbs, or different types of cheese/sauce, the classic remains the (and my) personal favourite. Poutine is made up three simple ingredients: fries (neither too thick nor thin), curd cheese (or "squeaky cheese"), and finally (usually) chicken gravy although pure "poutine sauce" can also be bought. Any variation on these three components and even though you will feel the spirit of the poutine, its true value cannot be appreciated. To give Rhys a full-on poutine experience was very important because (much like Richard Gere's explanation to Julia Roberts about a person's appreciation of opera in Pretty Woman) the first experience is crucial; a bad serving and you will never really enjoy poutine, however given a first rate serving and your love will be eternal. This was my aim with Rhys. A non-Montrealer's usual reaction to seeing this plated loveliness is 'disgust' displayed by a frightened, wrinkled up face, but I encouraged Rhys to have an open mind. The result couldn't have been better...Rhys is a convert and now makes poutine at home in Florida, as long as his packets of sauce don't run out.
...and there it is (on the right)
No comments:
Post a Comment