Best Local: Second Annual Poutine Fest

Indulge in Varieties of Poutine at Best Local Haymarket Brewery on Sunday, Feb. 23

A plate of poutine topped with brown gravy and cheese curds, garnished with chopped herbs, sits on a blue cloth next to two forks and salt and pepper shakers.

If you’re a comfort food junkie, you’ve had poutine. Poutine, common in Canada, is a French fries dish topped with a gravy-like sauce and cheese curds. Comfort food lovers rejoice—Chicago‘s second annual Poutine Fest is here! Best Local Haymarket Brewery (737 W Randolph St.) in the West Loop is hosting the indulgent festival on Sunday, February 23, 2014.

A person holds a tray of nachos topped with cheese, jalapeños, and beef, with two wooden forks. In the background, a crowd of people gathers outdoors, suggesting a food market or festival.

Fest attendees will sample poutine dishes from participating restaurants, and one will be crowned “King of Poutine” based on attendee votes. The Best Local spots participating in Poutine Fest include Haymarket Brewery, The Gage, The Barrelhouse FlatSunday Dinner, Red Door, The Bristol, Troquet, Le Bouchon, and Green Door Tavern . Look out for The Gage, 2013’s Poutine Fest champion.

A round metal dish filled with French fries topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon pieces, and chopped green onions sits on a wooden table. A glass mug of beer is partially visible in the background.

The fest has two sessions—12-2pm and 4-6pm—and two ticket options. Grab a VIP ticket for $85 or general admission for $70. VIPs get three drink tickets, a drink from Buffalo Trace, ten poutine tickets, an hour of early admission and a Poutine Fest souvenir bag and pint glass. General admission ticket-holders get two drink tickets, a drink from Buffalo Trace, ten poutine tickets and a Poutine Fest souvenir bag. Ticket sales will benefit Growing Home, a nonprofit that aims to empower the community through urban farming.

A white plate of golden French fries topped with a drizzle of brown sauce and some white crumbled cheese, with a red and white checkered cloth in the background.

Poutine Fest

Courtesy of Looky TastyCheck out the one-day-only event, just a 9-minute walk from Presidential Towers in the West Loop!