Explore Champlain by Chasing Fries in Gravy
A two-month challenge encourages locals and visitors alike to explore the Town of Champlain, consisting of the villages of Champlain and Rouses Point, while indulging in a filling regional delicacy.
At the northernmost point of New York state, Champlain is a five-minute drive from the Canadian border. Much of the town’s identity is tied to its French Canadian heritage, and poutine is just one way to experience it.
A plate of poutine includes fresh-cut fries lathered with gravy and topped with cheese curds, though it can take on a life of its own with toppings such as bacon, brisket and even lobster. It’s often listed as an appetizer, but Champlain Town Supervisor Thomas Trombley said it’s as filling as a main course — an ideal treat for the colder times of year.
“It’s starting to cool off outside, so those types of heartier dishes are even better,” Trombley said.
To complete Champlain’s poutine challenge, foodies need to order poutine and get a card stamped at all participating restaurants:
Best Friends Diner — 13 Lake St., Rouses Point
Borderview Grocery — 2018 Ridge Rd., Champlain
Frencheez — 90 Lake St., Rouses Point
Gino’s Pizza — 46 Lake St., Rouses Point
North Country Golf Club — 862 Hayford, Champlain
Sandy’s Deli — 133 Lake St., Rouses Point
All poutine chasers receive a certificate, but only the first 20 to visit at least four of the restaurants will get a T-shirt.
In years past, the challenge has brought in visitors from the Plattsburgh and Chazy areas, across the border and as far as New Hampshire, Trombley said. Although some people have completed the challenge in one day, not all could visit six restaurants in a month.
“That was difficult for a lot of folks to do within a four-week period, just out of timing, even for myself,” Trombley said.
Besides trying out a variety of poutine and other dishes the restaurants offer, challenge participants can explore the town itself — where Trombley was born and raised.
“It’s a great location. It’s beautiful,” Trombley said. “It’s rural, but yet very close to Montreal, very close to Burlington, just north of Plattsburgh. The lake, of course, runs all through town that adds a lot of beauty and a lot of scenery, a lot of opportunities for recreation.”
Story and Photos by Aleksandra Sidorova
