Toronto Poutine Face-off: Part 2

Of course, it was sleeting as the CA Scotch Couple set off on the eleven block Long March for the City Hall Blue Truck (a.k.a. Mr. Tasty Fries). This is why one does not go to Toronto in December! CA Scotch Chick was not happy about the situation, but she was willing to make the sacrifice for Loyal Scotch Chix Fans. As they turned the corner to slog the last eight blocks, a fierce wind began pummeling them in the face with horizontal ice pellets. Just when you think it can't get worse…

Your intrepid CA Scotch Couple pressed on, and after a long hard struggle against the elements they finally arrived at City Hall … only to discover NO BLUE TRUCK! There was a white truck. There was a yellow truck. But, there were no blue trucks. Neither the famous City Hall Blue Truck (a.k.a. Mr. Tasty Fries), nor its lesser blue truck competitor were present (smart truck owners — it was sleeting, after all). Oh, the bitter disappointment.

Luckily, CA Scotch Gent is a man who thinks ahead. He already had a Plan B. He prodded the despondent CA Scotch Chick a few more blocks to the welcome warmth of the Eaton Centre Mall. There, in the south food court, kitty corner from each other, were the two fast food poutine competitors, NY Fries and Harvey's. CA Scotch Gent queued at Harvey's, while CA Scotch Chick got on line at NY Fries. It was time for a true poutine face off.

The price differential was the first thing that the CA Scotch Couple noted. The entry from NY Fries was almost a dollar fifty more than the one from Harvey's. Outrageous! Both had excellent consistency to the semi-steak cut type fries — nicely crispy. Both used real cheese curds. Both gravies were acceptable, but neither was outstanding. Overall, the CA Scotch Couple leaned toward Harvey's, both for its price and for its gravy. Neither entry came anywhere near the poutines they had eaten in Québec City, however. In fact, the poutines at Chez Ashton could almost be classified as a totally different dish.

Harvey's and NY Fries Poutines

Note the Price Differential

One could blame the cold for what happened next — or one could acknowledge the lengths the CA Scotch Couple are willing to go for Loyal Scotch Chix fans — or one could just admit that the CA Scotch Couple are piggies. Whatever the reason, as they were shrugging their coats on and getting ready to face the elements, CA Scotch Chick spied a Kentucky Fried Chicken. Her research had turned up the fact that KFC had poutines. Here was an opportunity for more research! The CA Scotch Couple debated all of two seconds before ditching their outer wear and lining up for another round.

They were awesome! The CA Scotch Couple have to admit that KFC's poutines should not be classified as poutines. It is true that they used real cheese curds, but the KFC chicken gravy was, well, yummy chicky KFC gravy, not poutine gravy. It was so delicious, however. The chicky gravy and the cheese curds and the thin fast food fries were a great combination. Who cares if they weren't true poutines? They were good. And, they were affordable. CA Scotch Chick forgot to ask for a receipt, but the price was in line with Harvey's.

KFC Chicky Poutines

It had stopped sleeting by the time the CA Scotch Couple took their very full happy tummies down the street to the hotel, and the wind, now at their backs, actually sped them on their way. Back at the hotel, CA Scotch Chick decided Toronto might not be the best place for poutines, but the eating discoveries they had made were worth the trip. Hmm, wonder in what other cities KFC serves poutines?