As we approach the final full day of our last trip to the cold before the adventure to SE Asia, we awoke to a -17C day with a -27C wind chill, proving it’s absolutely time to get our of here. It also snowed about four inches yesterday which is not Buffalo worthy but still more than I prefer (that would be no snow).
The featured image above is one gross and unhealthy thing that I will actually miss: Poutine Fries. Dripping with gravy and cheese curds and served at the mall, it may be the only thing Western Canadians appreciate about Quebec .
Not to be outdone, there’s an even crazier version in Alberta due to the large community of immigrants from Ukraine: Poutine Perogie Fries; the same as the original but doused in sour cream, bacon, Carmalized onions and bite size cheese filled fried perogies (incredible by themselves and also high in everything bad for you). This may have been my favorite food item ever eaten in Canada as you can see from the picture below;
Family times are great but all good things must come to an end and we depart with memories of down coats, touques, mittens and images of all things not found in the tropics. While this year’s crazy flooding may be annoying and even dangerous at times, always remember the main reason why it beats Canadian winter ;
You don’t shovel rain
As an addendum to my previous post of Canadian things not found outside Canada, I offer a few I forgot; First, there’s Butter Tarts, a delicious dessert that I assume has British roots.
I’d be grossly negligent by not posting about Alberta Beef: among the best in the world, it rivals Australia, Argentina and even Kobe. Almost all burgers taste better in Canada and this is the reason why. Americans, as usual, no nothing at all about this and rave about the quality of American raised Angus beef but that’s fine with me. Those of us who were expats up here know the real deal. If you ever visit, include a steak as your first meal
Although not necessarily unique to Canada it’s worth noting that French Onion Soup is very popular here and almost always better than down south
And finally:
Despite the American takeover of Canada’s most well known and best loved icons, it’s comforting to know that Tim Hortons still tastes better here and Americans will never understand what it means anyway.
Farewell my fine alternative nation
Experimental Expats 
Hello Rodi, I hate to say it but poutine must be an acquired taste because while taking our little one to Haliburton, Ontario for summer camp my Canadian husband shared his poutine and I wasn’t impressed. Maybe taste buds were off, maybe bad poutine — who knows?!? Anyway, there’s probably a TH in Asia? They’re everywhere here in the UAE. I know the Canadian teachers say it’s not the same but it’s definitely better than some of the other options. Safe travels to you both!
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Hi Gina
Thanks for the comment and Happy 2015. To be honest I am not a fan of poutine either; never are it until we lived in Alberta. But for some reason this one was done well. Personally I think only ketchup belongs on fries.
TH is horrible in Manhatttan an New Yorkers don’t get it so I’m not sure why they choose to expand to markets that are under appreciated by the locals. I may have to indulge in the occasional expensive Starbucks.
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Those fries look delicious. Never seen anything like that in my life. I’m not sure how you’d be able to pick up and eat the cheese curds, though, especially the smaller ones. Maybe pick it up with a huge fistful of fries 😀 Maybe you can learn how to make that sometime if you’re craving for some. Doesn’t look too hard… Happy New Year. Best wishes to you two and travel safe 🙂
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Hi Mabel
You are one if the few that think poutine looks good !! Maybe you should suggest it to a local restaurant owner. I’m not wild about it; the curds should be melting if they do it properly.
Happy new year and thanks for the comments !!
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Thanks for sharing this wonderful “taste” of Canada. I have never come across the Poutine Perogie Fries. I must keep an out for them.
Looking forward to reading your adventures in South East Asia! 🙂
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Don’t think you’ll find the Ukrainian stuff outside of Alberta. I also love the myriad of sausages, kielbasa, pepperoni sticks, salamis that don’t have that disgusting west coast taste and abundance of pickle flavors. All of which i took for granted when I lived here. There is nowhere in a metropolitan area of six million to find any if the delicious meat treats found up here. Ridiculous
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