Pomme Frites is Exploiting My Weakness For Poutine
Written: Jul 31 '08 (Updated Aug 07 '08)
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Pros: Absolutely delicious French fries; great portions
Cons: I need these people to be making poutine for me in my own home
The Bottom Line: Everybody has a guilty pleasure and Pomme Frites is making sure that I get my poutine.
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| Bijou's Full Review: Pommes Frites |
Recently, I enjoyed a "Girl's Night Out" in New York City at an event called Shecky's. It was one of those rare times when I actually got to leave the house without my baby in tow (though I did miss him). My husband came to pick me up after the event (with the baby, of course! YAY!) since we decided to have a "mini-date" in NYC. We never get to get out much and we knew we couldn't pass the opportunity especially since we discovered something that we knew we absolutely "must do" ever since we found it.
Some months prior to this event, I found out that there was a place in New York City that served poutine. For those who are not familiar with the dish, poutine is a Canadian concoction consisting of French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and covered with brown gravy. Upon first glance, it looks disgusting. I was first introduced to it when I was in British Columbia. My husband said I would love it if I gave it a try. Hesitantly, I did and I could not believe how much I loved it. Ever since then, since he moved to New Jersey, we have been craving poutine and haven't been able to find it anywhere near us--until now! By accident, I discovered a place in New York City called Pomme Frites that serves just French fries. More importantly, they had poutine on the menu. This is the real reason why we ventured into NYC. Yes, Shecky's was an incredible event but nothing was going to stop us from getting our poutine.
What is the difference between regular French Fries and Pomme Frites? Plenty. Pomme Frites is a specialty shop serving authentic Belgian fries, or as the Belgians call them, "pomme frites". Fresh cut potatoes are used to make these superior French fries. I was amazed at how crunchy it was on the outside but soft inside. This is because of the technique used in cooking: the potatoes are fried twice! I thought it was overkill until I understood what was happening by witnessing it. The first time the potatoes are cooked through at a low temperature. The second time, they are then cooked at a higher temperature when you are ready to order the fries. This results in a nice golden color and incredibly crispy. The fries are then served in a paper cone. Then the fun begins.
Pomme Frites has a wide selection of tasty sauces to try with your fries. There is a variety to choose from, such as the Vietnamese Pineapple Mayo, the Roasted Garlic Mayo, the Pesto Mayo, the Smoked Eggplant Mayo, Parmesan Peppercorn, and Irish Curry to name a few. All sauces are $0.75 extra or three sauces of only $2.00. The freshly cut potatoes comes in three sizes--regular ($4.00), large ($6.25) and double ($7.75).
While all of this sounds great, we came to this place for only one thing--poutine. My husband knew it was authentic when it stated that the Canadian Cured Cheddar Cheese was imported from Quebec and chicken gravy was used as the topping. Just to make sure it was the real deal, my husband stated that the cheese "squeaked" when he chewed on it, a sure sign that this really was poutine.
Pomme Frites is really easy to miss. It's really one of these "hole-in-the-wall" places that can barely fit people inside its establishment. Just think of that Seinfeld episode with the Soup Nazi and picture people lining up in a single file trying to get inside. That's what it felt like to me. There are a few chairs in the back but I don't think it fits more than 10 people at the most.
It's not often that we get to go into NYC but this trip was memorable with an incredible event at Shecky's, celebrating my baby's first jaunt in the City, having a "mini-date" with my husband, and finding the Mecca of French Fries that serves poutine. It's just another excuse to visit New York City more often.
Pommes Frites Inc.
123 2nd Ave. New York, NY 10003
Tel. 212-674-1234
This review is part of my husband, elvisdo's 2008 Canadiana Write-Off that has become an annual traditional. To keep up with the tradition, I'm submitting my review at the last minute once again.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Bijou
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Location: New Digs in New Jersey
Reviews written: 132
Trusted by: 175 members
About Me:
I think I need a coffee addict intervention.
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