Justin Giovannetti Lamothe’s Poutine: A Deep-Fried Road Trip of Discovery is a mouthwatering and thought-provoking culinary journey across Canada that explores one of the country’s most iconic dishes. Part travelogue, part cultural commentary, and part love letter to poutine, this book goes beyond cheese curds and gravy to delve into the heart of Canadian identity.
Lamothe’s approach is as layered as the dish itself. He begins in poutine’s birthplace, rural Quebec, unearthing its humble origins and the debates surrounding its authenticity. From there, he embarks on a coast-to-coast odyssey, meeting chefs, truckers, and even health-conscious detractors who have reimagined poutine with kale and tofu. Each chapter is accompanied by vivid descriptions of regional variations, from lobster-infused poutine in Nova Scotia to smoked meat-topped iterations in Montreal. Purchase the book at https://douglas-mcintyre.com/products/9781771624220 or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
What makes this book truly shine is Lamothe’s knack for weaving personal anecdotes with historical context. His storytelling is warm, often humorous, and occasionally poignant. Whether he’s reminiscing about late-night poutine runs as a university student or reflecting on the dish as a symbol of inclusivity in Canada’s multicultural landscape, Lamothe keeps the reader engaged. The story of the author’s father in his childhood years will have you tearing up and provide insight into struggles of past generations.
The book’s most significant strength lies in its exploration of the larger themes surrounding poutine—cultural pride, culinary evolution, and even issues of gentrification as upscale restaurants reinvent a traditionally working-class meal. Lamothe doesn’t shy away from asking hard questions, yet his tone remains celebratory.
Everyone knows the authentic poutine has three ingredients: crispy fries, real cheese curds and a mouthwatering gravy. Beyond that, toppings can vary depending on your imagination. A restaurant in Montreal, LaBanquise has over 40 varieties (and its open 24 hours a day!). https://labanquise.com/ Even retirement homes get into the act. We bring you Le Groupe Maurice’s two versions: BBB Poutine and Poutine with Shredded Duck in our Recipe section. For a fun summer variation, check out the Doritos Poutine at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/doritos-poutine/
The humble poutine has spawned festivals and philanthropy. Poutine with Purpose was last held in 2021 in Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria and Hamilton. An initiative supported by local restaurants and selling over 35,000 bowls of Canada’s dish, supported youth and provided meals to children in need. https://www.instagram.com/poutinewithpurpose/ Unfortunately, the pandemic put an end to this event.
Developing a culinary travel bucket list for this summer? Include the Poutine Festival held in Drummondville, Quebec. Taking place in August, chefs and food trucks compete to be crowned by the almighty curd. https://festivaldelapoutine.com/ Support Canadian travel destinations this year – we have so much to celebrate!
For food lovers, travelers, or anyone interested in the intersections of cuisine and culture, Poutine: A Deep-Fried Road Trip of Discovery is a delectable read. It’s an ode to comfort food with a thoughtful garnish of social insight—delicious in every sense of the word.
Contents and images used with permission by Douglas & McIntyre. https://douglas-mcintyre.com/products/9781771624220
