Montreal: Fry capital of North America?
After 5 days of visiting lovely Montreal, let me put forth the case for recognizing their city-wide devotion to fries.
1. Poutine. Montreal has made a internationally known specialty out of french fries. I can’t lie; the poutines I tried didn’t do it for me. (All the gravy makes the fries too soggy for my taste.) But I give them props for putting french fries front and center in their culinary claims to fame.
2. Frite Alors. It’s Montreal’s 8 store french fry chain, serving up that ideal combo, fries and beer. I can’t believe I waited until day 4 to go there! As we were driving out of town, I said, “We should have gone to Frite Alors one more time.”
My favorite part of the menu: the “Americaine” dipping sauce. It’s mayo, paprika, shallots, garlic, onions and harissa. Oh so americaine!
3. In addition to Tim Hortons stands, their movie theaters had stand-alone french fry stands. That’s dedication.
4. Steak frites at L’Express.
The steak has compound butter topping it, forming its own steak juice-butter heaven. Then, aside the steak? A ramekin of hollandaise sauce, just for the fries. High end or low, Montreal wants you to enjoy those fries.
Finally, this sculpture, in Vieux Montreal:
entitled Frites, une Explosion de Saveur.
