Quebecois classic poutine is a dish so simple, it’s deceivingly difficult to properly execute.
The combination of crispy fries, rich brown gravy, and squeaky cheese curds is legendary for nursing hangovers, but it’s not the prettiest dish on the block. Modern interpretations often dress it up in ways that still end up being a mess or lose the spirit of poutine.
Café a la C’Art somehow manages to keep poutine’s soul in a hearty dish that you could figuratively bring home to your parents. Their Southwestern Short Rib Poutine ($17) features yucca fries, bacon fat, jalapeño cheese curds, red chile gravy, and a poached egg.
Yucca provides a different but serious crunch, while the jalapeño cheese curds and red chile gravy provide a subtly spicy and distinctly Tucson flavor. It’s good enough to eat without the tender braised short rib and poached egg, but who can say no to those two. The runny egg yolk adds a luxurious richness that complements the gravy surprisingly well.
The poutine’s bright garnishes all serve edible functions. Shreds of scallion add savoriness, watermelon radish adds a layer of crunch, and lime adds acidity to counter the richness.
Café a la C’Art is located at 150 N. Main Ave. For more information, call (520) 628-8533 or visit cafealacarttucson.com.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
