James MacKinnon, Emmy winning make-up artist, provides this French Canadian comfort food which is called Poutine – French fries, gravy, and cheese curds to the street of Los Angeles. It’s a simple dish and an excellent concept for a food truck. During a trip to the Canadian Winter Olympics, James happened upon poutine. He waited in over two hours in line on a cold winter day. He liked is so much he stood in line again while eating the first serving. The idea of the truck was born while waiting and eating in this line. After 2 years, James purchased a truck and began researching. He connected with his old friend, Debbie Lee (finalist on The Next Food Network Star, Season 5), to serve as the consulting chef ala Poutine.
Recently, I was invited to The Poutine FOUR BRIX Wine Pairing Party at the City Sip Wine Bar in Los Angeles. Let’s check out what was on the menu.
Fried Curds (choice of plain, garlic, or firehouse) are served with an herb aioli. The curds were fried to perfection – gooey but kept their shape. It’s better than any fried mozzarella stick you’ll ever have. The aioli was the perfect dipping sauce, creamy and delicious! Thumbs up, way up!
Frites is just Poutine with your choice of curd and gravy. The fries were perfectly crispy. The brown onion gravy tasted homemade with a deep beefy, onion flavor. The curds were melted slightly and lended a gooey, creamy texture. This was paired with the Four Brix 2008 Rhondezvous. It was light, refreshing and fruity. Thumbs up!
Poulet (chicken) & Frites is Dijon chicken breast atop poutine using vegetarian veloute in this case. The chicken was fabulous – juicy, herby without a heavy Dijon flavor. The gravy was velvety and packed full of flavor. The curds were perfect with a stringy, gooey consistency. This was paired with Four Brix 2008 Scosso. Thumbs up!
Lardon & Frites is applewood smoked bacon atop poutine using the old school veloute made with chicken broth in this case. The bacon was perfectly smoked and cooked to perfection, not too crispy and not soggy. The old school veloute was creamy and had a rich flavor. This is my favorite! You’ll definitely have an OMG moment or two! This dish was paired with Four Brix 2008 Temptress. It was spicy yet fruity and finished with a caramel flavor. Thumbs up, way up!
Steak & Frites is thyme garlic rubbed steak atop poutine using the brown onion gravy and topped with grilled onions and firehouse cheese curds. The steak was cooked to a medium-rare, tender and flavorful, but the gravy is what makes this dish great. It’s just phenomenal! The grilled onions were the perfect topper. This was paired with the Four Brix 2009 Smitten. Thumbs up!
Don’t be afraid of poutine, embrace it! It’s the perfect street food. Check The Poutine Truck's website to see when they are coming to a street near you!
Service: 5 out of 5 stars
Food: 5 out of 5 stars
Upcoming Events:
- LA County Fair, September 11, 2011, http://www.lacountyfair.com/2011/
For more information:
The Poutine Truck
Trucking around Los Angeles
Four Brix Winery
City Sip Los Angeles
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