ORIGINS

Poutine has become a Canadian Classic. Now available at restaurants practically everywhere, it is also enjoyed by people everywhere. But where did it all begin?

It first appeared in cafe’s in rural Quebec, in the late 1950’s. The exact story of how poutine came about has been debated for a while, however most people can agree that it came about in stages.

There is one story in particular, taken from the Can
adian Encyclopedia “In Warwick (near Victoriaville, QC), Fernand Lachance of Café Ideal (later renamed Le Lutin qui rit) has said that he first added curds to fries at the request of Eddy Lainesse, a regular customer, in 1957. Lachance reportedly replied, “ça va te faire une maudite poutine!” (that will make a damned mess!), before serving up the concoction in a paper bag. The combination became popular, with diners customizing the dish by adding ketchup or vinegar. In 1963, Lachance began to serve the dish on a plate to contain the mess left on his tables. When customers complained that the fries grew cold too quickly on the plate, he doused the fries and curds with gravy to keep the food warm.”

But that’s just one story. There are so many more funny quirky stories that explain how poutine really began.

I know for sure though, is that as long as it was invented (which it has been) then I’m a happy poutine-loving girl.