Vancouver Good

I was in the West End today, a ‘hood I haven’t been to in years, it seems!

I had to go find something to eat to honour such an occasion. While La Brasserie and Mis Trucos were tempting (and on the list!), I was solo and tired so opted for something much more casual – La Belle Patate, land of all things French-Canadian in the way of poutine – 30+ different kinds, including some crazy combinations (a donair poutine?).

But the only poutine that appeals to me is the classic – fries, curds, gravy. I haven’t enjoyed a real Quebec poutine in nearly a decade, but based on my memories, La Belle Patate’s poutine is pretty good. The fries are real potatoes, fried but not crispy. The cheese curds are fresh and actually have some flavour. The gravy is as it should be – a thin and salty layer over the fries and curds.

Go for the poutine – I’m not sure I’d order plain fries, as they were a little too dark and on the mushy side. I’d also steer clear of their “shakes,” which don’t seem to be made from hand scooped ice cream and milk.

If you need a junk food fix or something to soak up the alcohol on a late weekend night, La Patate fits the bill. I enjoyed the food and service much more than Fritz Fry House – the usual late night french fry hangout.

Oh, and if you are really gung-ho on poutine, they have all you can eat poutine for $25. Dangerous. There are people I know that should never know about this.

La Belle Patate
1215 Davie Street (b/w Bute and Jervis)
Vancouver
604-569-1215