La Poutinerie Hosted by Air Canada is officially open at the Canada Pavilion, taking over the former Refreshment Port with new theming and a refreshed poutine menu. We made it out to EPCOT this morning to try both options on the menu. Here’s how they stack up.
La Poutinerie Review: What to Order at EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- How the Québec and Montréal poutines actually compare, and which one has an “acquired taste” warning attached
- The one ingredient that could make or break the Montréal poutine for some guests
- Whether the venue is worth a visit, especially outside of the Festival season
Location & First Impressions
The location hasn’t changed. La Poutinerie sits in the same spot along the World Showcase promenade as the former Refreshment Port, just steps into the Canada Pavilion.
What has changed is the theming. The kiosk now carries a dark metal roof, a chimney, and stone-clad support columns. It’s a real upgrade from the space’s previous look, and one that fits naturally into the space. Here’s a look around the venue this morning before the crowds showed up.
The Menu at a Glance
The menu keeps things simple: two poutine builds, plus a short drink list.
ENTRÉES
- Québec: L’Authentique | $10.99
French Fries, Cheese Curds, Brown Gravy - Montréal: Viande Fumée | $12.49
French Fries, Cheese Curds, Smoked Meat, Pickles, Mustard Gravy
BEVERAGES
- Spiced Apple Slushy | $6.29
Frozen Ginger Beer blended with Lively Lime and Cozy Spiced Apple Flavors - Assorted Coca-Cola Fountain Beverages | $4.79
- DASANI Bottled Water | $4.25
- smartwater | $6.25
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
- Spiced Apple Mule | $14.50
Frozen Ginger Beer blended with Lively Lime and Cozy Spiced Apple Flavors with Iceberg Canadian Vodka - Unibroue La Fin du Monde Belgian-style Tripel Ale | $14.00
- Molson Canadian Lager | $10.75
- Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut, Columbia Valley | $7.50
- Jackson-Triggs Reserve Red Blend | $12.00
We only sampled the food on this visit, so we can’t speak to the drinks. That said, I find that drinks are far more subjective than food.
Québec vs. Montréal Poutine
Our main goal this morning was to try both poutines side by side.
Starting with the Québec, we find a traditional poutine. Plenty of cheese curds and a glaze of brown gravy. One thing worth calling out up front was the quality of the french fries. They were wonderful on their own, and really reacted well to the ingredients. On their own, they were crunchy and had an excellent flavor. When the gravy was introduced in the Québec, the fries soaked it up without breaking down.
Another callout is how each of the poutines was layered. It looks like they were made in two layers, with the respective “sauce” drizzled in the middle of the dish as well. That means that the flavors will continue through to the bottom of the bowl.
By far, the more dynamic poutine is the Montréal. Be warned: this one is an acquired taste. In general, you’ll have to really enjoy the mustard gravy. Just like the Québec, there is plenty of gravy at all levels of the dish.
Both the portion and quality of the smoked meat was exceptional. Paired with the pickles, there is A LOT going on here. I really enjoyed the smoked meats, and somewhat tolerated the mustard gravy. Just like any mustard, it can get overwhelming after a while. If you don’t like mustard, this one could be a bumpy landing. If there was another option beyond the mustard, this would be an instant home run. That said, I do recommend giving this one a try if you aren’t mustard-averse and want to try the wonderful smoked meats.
Is La Poutinerie Worth a Visit?
Overall, we’re very happy to see the return of grab-and-go poutine to the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT. Even if the poutine itself was a lateral move (and it’s not), the theming alone of the venue earns two thumbs up. For me, I loved the Montréal poutine, and I’m happy that a classic version is on the menu as well.
La Poutinerie serves delicious poutine in an almost overwhelming portion at a nicely themed venue. It’s absolutely worth a visit, especially during the non-Festival “Diet EPCOT” portions of the year. Well done!
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