Restaurants showcase their global flare with La Poutine Week

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Although it may be cold outside, restaurants across the province are turning up the heat with La Poutine Week!

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This week-long celebration of the beloved French-Canadian comfort food will run from Feb. 1 to Feb. 7 throughout the city of Winnipeg and neighbouring communities.

Organized by the creative minds behind Le Burger Week, this year’s festival is being featured in major cities across Canada. Every participating restaurant is invited to craft a unique poutine that showcases their culinary style while honouring the chosen theme.

“This year’s theme, Flavours of the World, is taking our favorite Canadian comfort food on a global adventure,” said Laurence Boisseau, Director of Operations, to the Sun on Friday. “From bold international spices to unexpected ingredient pairings, local chefs are putting a unique twist on the classic Canadian poutine.”

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Funky flavours are indeed on the menu! Feeling loco for an empanada? Head over to the Park Café at the Assiniboine park for their El Chancho Poutine topped with a homemade pulled pork empanada, Bothwell cheese curds, gravy, pulled pork empanada filling, garnished with Pico de Gallo and crispy tortilla sticks.

Big dill fan? Give the Portage la Prairie Poutine Pickler a try from the Tavern United in Portage la Prairie. This creative poutine is topped with onion rings, mozzarella and feta cheese, smothered in dill pickle cream sauce, borsht ranch sauce, garnished with fresh dill, and a pretzel crumb.

In the mood for some taste-bud-kicking Korean? Park yourself in front of a Gomoojang Poutine, topped with spicy, succulent braised brisket that’s been marinated for 24 hours in a special Gochujang rub at The Rec Room in the Seasons of Tuxedo.

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Fries tossed in garam masala — yes please! Smitty’s Niverville presents the Maharaja Poutine topped in shredded cheese, pico de gallo, crispy chicken and paneer, drizzled with a secret Maharaja sauce and sour cream. Ten Smitty’s restaurants throughout the province will be participating in this anticipated event. Expect a new take on poutine at every restaurant.

Finish off your flavourful tour with the Chouxtine dessert poutine at Oh Doughnuts on Broadway. Indulge in this merry melange of choux frites, topped with brown butter caramel sauce and vanilla bean cheesecake ‘curds’, dusted with vanilla bean sugar.

Every poutine concocted for the festival is offered at an affordable price. Poutine enthusiasts can earn YUMS points with every visit that can be redeemed for more poutine.

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Diners are encouraged to vote for their favourite poutine on LaPoutineWeek.com. At the conclusion of the festival, the winners will be awarded for the best poutine, the most original poutine, and judge’s choice.

With so many creative takes to sample throughout the city, gather your friends and family, explore new flavours, and celebrate this deliciously Canadian tradition!

— Amanda Beakes is the Assistant Editor and a reporter for the Winnipeg Sun.

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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