Bringing Quebec’s Cuisine to the West Coast
Nostalgia is a powerful force. When combined with Canadian flavours that scream lunch in Montreal and dinner in Quebec City, it’s an unstoppable draw. A much-loved restaurant in Davie Village has been pumping out the poutine for over 15 years now, and there’s no end in sight. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of La Belle Patate.
Poutine Delight with Curds that Squeak
“We’re named for the beautiful potato. Humble and delicious. Maybe your favourite BBQ flavouring or delicious side in the mix. At La Belle Patate, we have about 40 different menu choices, just for our poutine! We’re famous across the Lower Mainland and when the cruise ships dock, everyone’s looking for the ‘authentic Canadian, Francophone meal’ all the way over here in B.C.!” We talked to owner, Pascal Cormier, about the best kept Quebec secret, right here in Vancouver.
“Our focus is poutine. If you didn’t grow up with fries, curds, and gravy, maybe it seems unusual. But for those of us raised in the East, this is our go-to comfort food. At La Belle Patate, our cheese curds are so fresh they squeak, and the gravy is as simple as it’s supposed to be. We don’t use a beef-based gravy like other restaurants try to get away with — ours is authentic poutine sauce. We have great mix-and-match flavours on the menu, so you can customize your poutine with bacon, hamburger, fried onions, mushrooms, pepperoni, even maple flavouring — a satisfying meal, prepared just the way you want it,” Cormier said.
Montreal Flavours & Unlimited Options
La Belle Patate fries are hand-cut and twice-cooked. “We don’t have any heat lamps. Everything is prepared to order, so it’s fresh and hot. Those that know poutine know that curds are simply freshly-made cheese, before its aged. And the unique characteristic of great curds is that they shouldn’t melt. They’re white, salty, fresh, and full of the enzymes that are so good for you, straight out of the cheese-making process,” Cormier told us.
The restaurant’s menu is both expansive, with so many poutine customization options, and focused. Besides poutine, there are classic Steamies dressed with mustard, relish, onions, and coleslaw. And, when not sold out from the rush, there are Montreal smoked meat sandwiches — steamed brisket on rye with mustard and a pickle. Another favourite that’s difficult to procure locally (and sells out fast) is La Belle Patate’s proprietary spruce beer soft drink.
Quebecois Cuisine with West Coast Appeal
If you know what Guedille is and you crave Galvaude, you’ll love La Belle Patate’s authentic Quebec fare. Fall in love with fresh French fries smothered in brown gravy, mixed with scrumptious cheese — what are you waiting for? Open Tuesday through Sunday, lunch through to late, La Belle Patate’s 30-seat dining room is waiting for you. Plan to drop in this week on Davie Street at Bute, and hear the curds squeak for joy.