Poutine at the Minnesota State Fair. NOM NOM NOM
Posted: August 17, 2012 Filed under: NOM NOM NOM | Tags: Atlantic Canada, tasty food items 11 Comments
Image from cbsminnesota.wordpress.com
Here in The Land Of 10,000 Lutefisk. And surprisingly, amazingly, not “on a stick” either. Incredible.
Poutine is a mind-boggling combination of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. A Canadian invention, poutine was created in Québec and its popularity has spread across the land. On occasion, if you’re lucky, you can find poutine in the USA. Since I live on the Ontario/Québec border, poutine is as ubiquitous at chip stands and restaurants as burgers and hot dogs.
– From the blog “The Poutine Chronicles“
I’ve gone on about poutine here before (at the very end of the posting). Once I even wondered if it was my life’s calling. It’s been called “the ultimate geek food” and “the ultimate hangover remedy.” Poutine is one of the simplest, yet greatest combination of food ingredients ever devised by human hands. (Personally I might not try a poutine made by non-human hands. Unless I was very, very hungry.)
Upon my return from Cape Breton I tried to recreate the poutine I enjoyed there. After dedicated trial and error, I think I perfected a poutine gravy. It’s chicken stock-based, not beef like many places offer. (Drop me a line and I may share it.) The secret is VERY HOT gravy, VERY HOT french fries, and VERY FRESH cheese curds that squeak between your teeth when you bite into them. Curds made the very same day are the best possible option.
Image from CBS Minnesota. wordpress.com
But now Duke’s Poutine offers their fine product at area gatherings, including the Great Minnesota Get-Together. From their website:
Duke’s Poutine, established 2010, is a family-owned concession stand serving Québec-style poutine at fairs and events around Minnesota. Most of our events are within – or are just a short drive from – the Twin Cities metro.
Why couldn’t I have thought of this?! I may have to go to the fair this year, for the first time in two decades. (There was a State Fair-related trauma. I don’t like to burden my friends with it. *shudder* ) Maybe share notes with Duke, if he’s around. A full poutine review will follow.
UPDATE: My review is here.
Name-Brand Ketchup. 
OK! I’ll try it, I’m outnumbered. My son says it’s the best thing ever, You’re telling me it’s the best thing ever. I’m a little afraid, but I will do it! Poutine here I come………
You will not regret it. As my Kentucky brother-in-law Pete would say, it’ll make your tongue slap your brain.
But you and I discussed this a week or so ago! Why couldn’t I have come up with this first?! GRRRR
We did indeed talk about it. When I told my son your passion you immediately became a personal hero. It should be great, right? I mean, who doesn’t like gravy, cheese, and potatoes. I’m just concerned that it’s going to be like sneaking out of the house when you’re 16. A great idea at the time, and OH WHAT A GOOD TIME, but the next day-when you are caught-there will be hell to pay.
Moderation. If you do most things right, you can do some things wrong. Besides, it’s almost health food.
Moderation? True enough. Health food? Ok, I’ll give you almost, but the taste test will decide. 🙂
Doesn’t emotional health count?!
Yes, of course. I think we can agree than, that Poutine is a supplement for emotional health, Eh?
I think it’s the only conclusion that science will support.
You could go with us. We’re old pro’s at the Fair. We wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you!
Do people still agree on a place they all can meet up at if they get lost? Ours used to be the Skyride thing. I suppose now that everyone has a cell phone, that’s not so much of a need anyomre. Honest, it’s been twenty years exactly since I was at the fair.
Cindy: if we get split up, we can all meet at the poutine stand!