Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Food trucks fill three whole city blocks in Ottawa at a festival to celebrate a single local speciality. In the UK we would call it what it is: chips, cheese and gravy. But in bilingual Canada this fast-food favourite has a French name: Poutine.
The origins story is disputed by at least two other Montreal restaurants, which also claim to be the birthplace of the dish. Half a century later, this bulky comfort food is a national institution. Sometime in its early history, gravy was added to tie the ingredients together and keep the chips warm.
At the annual Sparks Street Poutine Fest, I pick a truck at random from the dozens on offer, all of which serve variations on the simple dish. I order a classic Poutine rather than one of the more complex, sophisticated menu choices, such as Poutine “with bacon”.
It’s hearty street food, probably best eaten late at night. The lubricated mass of potato and curds sits heavy in my stomach for the rest of the day. In that respect, at least, it’s a meal I won’t forget in a hurry.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments