Expectations. One of the most dangerous words in the English language (or any language for that matter) when put upon the eventualities of everyday life. We apply them to almost everything: The blind date, our next meal at a swanky restaurant, the new movie opening on the weekend, even test results -academic or otherwise. Having expectations isn't bad in and of itself. Hell, they're part of human nature. Having them knowing the risk of them not being met, however, is the real issue.
So you understand my trepidation at the prospect of eating this poutine. Duck confit, foie gras gravy, sweet potato fries...This seemingly perfect combination could easily have been a recipe for a major letdown. I can happily tell you that this met every expectation I tried not to have!
This was one creation I was looking forward to try ( there they go again. Expectations!). I mean seriously, Duck confit AND gravy made of Foie Gras? Seriously?? I'm getting ahead of myself...
Lucky's Truck, for those who aren't familiar, is at the forefront of the innovative food truck culinary craze that has (FINALLY) swept up here in our beloved city. For the winter season, popular watering hole, Abreuvoir in the Quartier Latin is holding mess hall for Lucky's wares. With their signature gourmet take on street food, I had every reason to hold lofty expectations for their offering.
This, at the risk of hyperbole, was an experience akin to seeing a very beautiful woman walk in a room. You remember every detail about her and your surroundings, but the most important detail is that your surroundings importance instantly melt away and it becomes all about her. My friend and I were seated at a booth in this quintessential, downtown bar, with all the elements you'd find in such an establishment. We were engaged in conversation- her with a Rum with a twist of lime, and me with my pint of cider- when we were suddenly interrupted by a smell that I can only describe as "Richness". The vapors from the poutine on the table next to us literally dug a hole in my stomach rendering me hungrier with every whiff, and all concentration evaporated. Then we got to lay our eyes on it...
The waitress appears from the back of the house with two neat individual bamboo cutting boards on which the poutines are expertly layered. It's as though, she put out 2 picnic tables with a mountain of obscene goodness. Decorum kept me from diving in face first like a pig at a troff. It was like an ode to gluttony: Sinful, irresistible; much like that woman who walks in and commands a room.
Now, the fellas know that looks, as important as they are, aren't as important as what she has to offer, what she has to say. What makes her different? What will keep you there now that you've gotten the nerve to approach her? I know for myself, depth and complexity always keeps me hanging around; and "La Fameuse" has depth and complexity to spare. They start with Sweet and regular potatoes and already there's a contrast in between the starches. Then there's the caramelized onions, complimenting the sweetness of of the sweet potato. Together they offered a great counter to the saltiness of the duck, cheese and gravy. Complexity!
The Duck- part garnish, part statement- was just soo right. Beautiful strands of shredded succulence towering over the messy pile. This is expertly crafted only because they managed to add one of the most decadent food items around to a Dish that defines richness. Yet in no way is this heavy or overpowering. Yes a food coma ensued as soon as i stepped in the house, but it was still a short one and most importantly, no regrets the next day!
Much Like the hangover poutine from M:brgr, the star of the poutine was the gravy. Now I'm not trained enough to even contemplate how that is even concocted, but it is as sexy and unctuous as it sounds. Smooth, hot, deep and rich with flavor and NO LUMPS! The liquid gold was nicely draped over the works. A foie Gras Cloak, if you will.
As stated before, this was an experience. All Senses where engaged and it captivated you from the instant you smelled the perfume and all you you had left to do is create the perfect bite, over and over again. "La Fameuse", So nice to meet you!
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