Foods from Smoke's Poutinerie
Comments
2012 May 23
I should update my review from the time around the place opened.. this place is no more than a 'meh' once the novelty wears off. I'm not at all a fan of the regular gravy, though the veg gravy gets the job done alright (if a little salty). The fries and toppings (and presentation) have been hit or miss in my few experiences there.
Speaking of toppings, I'm also on board for caramelized onions on poutine. I'm also all mushrooms, and, er, chili on top of my poutine. Is it just me or would some green onions every now and then be a nice addition?
Anyway, it's good for a late-night craving if I'm in the area and feel like I've got some extra cash in my pocket, but certainly not irresistible. If I end up there, it's always with tempered expectations.
Speaking of toppings, I'm also on board for caramelized onions on poutine. I'm also all mushrooms, and, er, chili on top of my poutine. Is it just me or would some green onions every now and then be a nice addition?
Anyway, it's good for a late-night craving if I'm in the area and feel like I've got some extra cash in my pocket, but certainly not irresistible. If I end up there, it's always with tempered expectations.
2012 May 23
Wow, this is a pretty meh poutine.
Pictured is the country poutine I believe; which consists of a standard poutine topped with bacon, chicken, mushrooms and caramelized onions.
Don't get me wrong, the toppings are fun, and the quality of which are not too bad.
But I find the gravy resembles swiss chalet sauce since there is a heavy dose of sage in it.
The fries are uber soggy, when you finally get to them.
And finally, Pop Shoppe brand pop is too syrupy and not carbonated enough - for my tastes.
Not my cup of tea. I will take late night shawarma over this any day.
I will say though, that caramelized onions go really well with poutine. I'd like to see a killer chip truck include c. onions in their offerings.
Pictured is the country poutine I believe; which consists of a standard poutine topped with bacon, chicken, mushrooms and caramelized onions.
Don't get me wrong, the toppings are fun, and the quality of which are not too bad.
But I find the gravy resembles swiss chalet sauce since there is a heavy dose of sage in it.
The fries are uber soggy, when you finally get to them.
And finally, Pop Shoppe brand pop is too syrupy and not carbonated enough - for my tastes.
Not my cup of tea. I will take late night shawarma over this any day.
I will say though, that caramelized onions go really well with poutine. I'd like to see a killer chip truck include c. onions in their offerings.
2012 May 17
Went here for dinner this evening.
First let me say, how horrible it is that this place sells likely hundreds of glass bottles a week if not a thousand. THEY DON'T RECYCLE any of the glass or coke cans.. There is room for a recycle bin. I asked the cashier, she said no, we don't recycle?
In todays world, that's pretty ignorant. Especially since the majority of their bottles are glass.
The poutine we had was a large Pulled Pork. It sucked, the poutine tasted sweet, probably as a result of the pulled pork bbq sauce. Lucky for us there was a bottle of Siriachi to make it palatable.
Portion size for 9.79 was very large, lucky there was two of us to tackle it.
Had the black cherry soda, which was ok, but wouldn't order again.
If totally stuck, I'd probably return, but only if in the area, and would likely get the chili. Here's to hoping their chili is good.
First let me say, how horrible it is that this place sells likely hundreds of glass bottles a week if not a thousand. THEY DON'T RECYCLE any of the glass or coke cans.. There is room for a recycle bin. I asked the cashier, she said no, we don't recycle?
In todays world, that's pretty ignorant. Especially since the majority of their bottles are glass.
The poutine we had was a large Pulled Pork. It sucked, the poutine tasted sweet, probably as a result of the pulled pork bbq sauce. Lucky for us there was a bottle of Siriachi to make it palatable.
Portion size for 9.79 was very large, lucky there was two of us to tackle it.
Had the black cherry soda, which was ok, but wouldn't order again.
If totally stuck, I'd probably return, but only if in the area, and would likely get the chili. Here's to hoping their chili is good.
2011 Aug 8
I've had their veggie poutine a few times and i'd try it again. But a while ago I tried the nacho veggie poutine. My common sense told me "poutine and nacho ingredients don't go together!!", and my common sense was right; I should have listened to it. The entire time I was eating it, i wished the nacho ingredients would just disappear. They weren't very good to start with, but even worse they were masking all the good poutine taste underneath. Worst poutine ever... even worse than the poutine I had at Wendy's in Alberta: fries, gravy, nacho cheese sauce.
2011 Mar 18
I think the popularity of Smoke's is due partly to the novelty of being a very Canadian 'all poutine' place. It's alright, but I've certainly eaten better poutine in Ottawa (Elgin Street Diner for example).
I find the gravy to be very salty, which throws off the whole taste for me. The fries are hit or miss. I've had them crispy and I've had them super soggy. I prefer something in between. I'm going to have to try the veggie gravy that other users have recommended. As this is becoming a go-to spot for the after bar crowd, I'm sure I will be back!
I find the gravy to be very salty, which throws off the whole taste for me. The fries are hit or miss. I've had them crispy and I've had them super soggy. I prefer something in between. I'm going to have to try the veggie gravy that other users have recommended. As this is becoming a go-to spot for the after bar crowd, I'm sure I will be back!
2010 Sep 21
It's unfortunate that it appears Smoke's Poutinerie doesn't seem consistent. Can't be hard on them to match McDonald's or big chain consistency. I guess now we know to ASK for crispy fries, hot gravy and fresh stuff PLEASE. Hopefully they'll listen. The veggie poutine is still great and I had it 3 times and each time was a little different but that combination of toppings is just great. Not sure I'm inclined to try everything on the menu but I have a few favorites which I'll stick to.
XOXOX KC
XOXOX KC
2010 Sep 21
I was there last night, around 7pm. Ordered a traditional veggie poutine - it was quick, it only took about 2 minutes to get the food which kind of worried me, thinking it might not be very fresh.
The poutine looked good and tasted good, however there was a issue with the temperature of the food. The gravy was lukewarm, and so had the consistency of vaseline. Also, since it wasn't hot enough, the cheese failed to melt. I thought the fries might be able to melt the cheese but the fries too weren't very hot either.
It's really unfortunate that the poutine wasn't hot, because other than that, it was very tasty and the fries were crispy.
I'll have to try it again and hopefully next time it'll be hot.
The poutine looked good and tasted good, however there was a issue with the temperature of the food. The gravy was lukewarm, and so had the consistency of vaseline. Also, since it wasn't hot enough, the cheese failed to melt. I thought the fries might be able to melt the cheese but the fries too weren't very hot either.
It's really unfortunate that the poutine wasn't hot, because other than that, it was very tasty and the fries were crispy.
I'll have to try it again and hopefully next time it'll be hot.
2010 Sep 15
I went last night and I got the regular Montreal....it was heavy and it was hot, next time I would get a small unless i was sharing ...or had not eaten in a day or two. I saw them toss the fries just before I got mine. Overall it was good, gravy did have some gelatinous lumps, but not too bad. Gravy definitely has a different taste from some other poutine gravies, but I think it is more homestyle, and the little lumps didn't bother me. Fries were good, smoked meat was good, shaved thin and moist. Cheese was plentiful, but could have been broken up a little more, as i had a few mouthfuls of just cheese. Mustard was basic yellow mustard (would have preferred a spicy deli mustard, but that's just me), but the pickle was not good. Soggy, no crunch, taste was okay...but I prefer more substance to my pickle. I'm just saying.
Spent $10.16 (plus 75 cents for parking)but it gives enough for two people, so not a bad deal seeing as I have spent more than that on a salad at Green Rebel. Parking was a nightmare...you are not supposed to turn right onto that street between 3:30-5:30 (as FYI since a bus honked at me), and I was trying to get there around 4:30. I ended up parking 2 blocks away in the market. But coming from the University/the market/Rideau Centre it is a nice little spot.
Restaurant is small, seats about 20 people, very minimalist (red and black), with the only decorations being the Smokes logo and various newspaper articles. The guy serving me was friendly, told me everything is prepare on-site, bacon, pork, gravy, but smoked meat is sliced somewhere else, but is from Montreal (Dunn's was just down the street..so I'm guessing that's where it may be from).
Overall a pleasant experience, except the trip there and back.
Spent $10.16 (plus 75 cents for parking)but it gives enough for two people, so not a bad deal seeing as I have spent more than that on a salad at Green Rebel. Parking was a nightmare...you are not supposed to turn right onto that street between 3:30-5:30 (as FYI since a bus honked at me), and I was trying to get there around 4:30. I ended up parking 2 blocks away in the market. But coming from the University/the market/Rideau Centre it is a nice little spot.
Restaurant is small, seats about 20 people, very minimalist (red and black), with the only decorations being the Smokes logo and various newspaper articles. The guy serving me was friendly, told me everything is prepare on-site, bacon, pork, gravy, but smoked meat is sliced somewhere else, but is from Montreal (Dunn's was just down the street..so I'm guessing that's where it may be from).
Overall a pleasant experience, except the trip there and back.
Older
2012 Jun 26
I tend to agree with the other posters, if you are looking for a traditional poutine then this is not the place for you.
However if like me you are in the market for something different then Smoke's fits the bill. Where else can you get pulled pork, bacon and sausage on a poutine?
I do recommend any of the poutines with the sausage, it is bursting with fennel and is just delicious. The portions are very large and a good bang for your buck.
However if like me you are in the market for something different then Smoke's fits the bill. Where else can you get pulled pork, bacon and sausage on a poutine?
I do recommend any of the poutines with the sausage, it is bursting with fennel and is just delicious. The portions are very large and a good bang for your buck.
2011 Aug 3
I was reminded of your comments, FF, when we had Smoke's for lunch on Monday.
And you're right on the money: the gravy is very heavy on the thyme.
This works out well for the dishes that pile the ingredients on top of the poutine, but not so well for just plain ol' poutine.
For my money, I'd usually prefer JP's or Crispy Chips, but sometimes a dude's gotta have bacon and caramelized onions on his poutine, you know?
And you're right on the money: the gravy is very heavy on the thyme.
This works out well for the dishes that pile the ingredients on top of the poutine, but not so well for just plain ol' poutine.
For my money, I'd usually prefer JP's or Crispy Chips, but sometimes a dude's gotta have bacon and caramelized onions on his poutine, you know?
2011 Jul 6
Being a big poutine fan, I've been wanting to try this place ever since it opened. Problem is, if I make my way to the Byward Market I'm usually eager to eat something that's more than a fast food snack!
Anyway, I tried a Small Traditional Poutine tonight and I was underwhelmed. The fries were nice and crispy (sounds like I was lucky) but the poutine-y ingredients were disappointing. The gravy was too herby, to the extent that its herbaceousness prevented any other flavour from coming through. And the curds were just dismal compared to the gold standard at JP's Crispy Fries and Crispy Chips.
In fact, if you find yourself tempted by Smoke's Poutinerie, go eat the Jerk Chicken Poutine at Island Flava next door. I wish I had.
I can see a market for Smoke's Poutinerie -- either tourists who just want to try poutine or for those who are interested in the quirky poutine variations offered here. It is not for poutine purists!
Anyway, I tried a Small Traditional Poutine tonight and I was underwhelmed. The fries were nice and crispy (sounds like I was lucky) but the poutine-y ingredients were disappointing. The gravy was too herby, to the extent that its herbaceousness prevented any other flavour from coming through. And the curds were just dismal compared to the gold standard at JP's Crispy Fries and Crispy Chips.
In fact, if you find yourself tempted by Smoke's Poutinerie, go eat the Jerk Chicken Poutine at Island Flava next door. I wish I had.
I can see a market for Smoke's Poutinerie -- either tourists who just want to try poutine or for those who are interested in the quirky poutine variations offered here. It is not for poutine purists!
Billco
That said, Smoke's is still better than just about any sit-down restaurant poutine in the city. That's my frank opinion as a grease-hound. Big portions for the price, and the novel toppings keep things fun. The gravy's a bit odd, sweeter than it should be, but doesn't bother me since I left my strict standards at the bridge. Paired with a hypersweet Pop Shoppe soda, it's not a bad way to shave a tiny bit off your life expectancy.
I give it: 3.5 curds out of 5.