Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal are about to get a little more cheesier.
The four cities will be participating in this year's La Poutine Week from Feb. 1 to the 7. Over 100 restaurants across the country will be creating their own version of poutine for $10 or less, while through a voting process, Canadians will get the chance to choose their favourites.
"It can be argued that it's our national dish, so why keep it all in Quebec? That's not fair. This one week is dedicated to our favourite comfort food — we can burn the calories later," says La Poutine Week co-founder Na'eem Adam.
For those who are not familiar, poutine is traditionally made with cheese curds, fries and gravy, and is one of the country's most iconic dishes, made popular in Quebec as a post-drinking indulgence.
And while some restaurants haven't shown off their secret poutines just yet, several joints have already put their menu items online. Some highlights include a Toronto sushi bar with a caramelized kimchi, beef tongue and Japanese mayo poutine, and an Ottawa pub featuring a poutine made with pulled pork, pork meatballs, cheese with bacon bits, topped with a Jack Daniels sauce. And yes, there are a few veggie options as well.
In August, the same organizers and several of the same cities participated in Le Burger Week, featuring some of Canada's most over-the-top burger creations — including a Montreal version of the cronut burger.
Adam says he plans to involve other Canadian cities in the years to come and hopes Feb. 1 can officially become Canada's National Poutine Day. Think about it, a day off to eat poutine? We dig it. So, will you be participating this year with your bellies? Let us know in the comments below.
LOOK — What you can eat at Poutine Week this year
What You Can Eat During Poutine Week
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