Poutine @ Fritz European Fry House
Fritz European Fry House
718 Davie St
Vancouver, BC
Today’s post, despite it is related to a restaurant, it is rather about a dish. As you could read from the header, that dish is poutine. What is so particular about that combination of fries, cheese curds and gravy? While I am not sure if there is such thing as a true authentic Canadian dish (specially considering the size of Canada), at least, I think we can say poutine is the closest thing to be uniquely Canadian. But, why make a post about poutine? Well, it just happens that, I have never had it…
Here in BC, almost any restaurant that serves fries will most likely serve poutine too. After all, it is just a matter of adding those cheese curds and gravy. However, I wanted to make sure to go to a “good” place. That way, in the case I did not like it, at least it would not be because of the restaurant. And the “chosen one” was Fritz, located in Downtown Vancouver, near Davie Village.
As you can see in the picture above, they have variations of poutine. But, no, I wanted the “basic” dish; again, I did not want anything that could distract me. So, after ordering the medium size serving (along with a pop/soda), I sat and waited. After 5 or so minutes, here is my poutine eating experience…
Oh, those cheese curds melting away!
Oh, the gravy!!
Oh, my clogging heart!!!
I am not sure how to describe the experience. For certain, eating it was different from eating just fries (or even fries and gravy). That extra “hump” given by the cheese curds made it unique in its own way. Think that cheese stringy effect when eating pizza. However, there was something that turned me off: the gravy had an artificial taste, as if it was made from a pack rather than from scratch. Still, it gave me a good idea of what to expect if I would order it. Yes, that means, I would have some again some other time. The only gotcha is it won’t be anytime soon. After all, I got to rest from the quad bypass! 
I knew it was only a matter of time! Your pictures look wonderful, and scratch gravy does make a difference for sure.
Quad bypass! muhaha.
wow, I’ve never seen that before. I’ve got to try it sometime as it looks really tasty.
I could go for some poutine right about now. MMMM poutine!
oh my gosh – what an interesting restaurant concept!
I really like the name “Fritz” as a word play. I think the gravy is key in that Canadian dish.
Only had Poutine once so far and I am still looking for the perfect place to experience it to the positive….
Sounds like it’s time for a culinary road trip out east. After living on the edge of Ottawa, I must say, there is nothing like chip trucks on the side of the road ready to serve you hot delicious poutine!
Raidar, well, if I choose to eat more of these, who knows, a quad bypass might not be enough! ^_^;;; Unfortunately, I chose not to have poutine when I was in Toronto/Hamilton and Halifax/Sydney. One of these days when I am on the east again…
Dave, I guess, if you can’t have poutine, you can try to make it yourself. Hey, it does not sound that difficult, does it?
Pearl, one dish, different variations. You know it must be good.
H.Peter, that is what I thought the first time I heard this place’s name! Again, I would try it some other time but, just like you, I need to find a good place… And after the quad bypass!
Man… You are right about the artery-clogging. LOL… But I love poutine. I need to visit Montreal and have some real poutine. I think it’s double artery-clogging there!
@Sherman
Poutine is not that bad for your health… It’s fries with cheese with some black sauce.
Montreal poutine is, by the way, the same as in vancouver exept its cheeper and better (cheese curds are freshly made too).