FOOD: THE LAKEVIEW POUTINE

No other diner in Toronto has more history than The Lakeview (formerly known as The Lakeview Lunch).  The 24-hour diner, located in Little Portugal (1132 Dundas St. W), opened in 1937.  Its still-charmingly retro decor, has served as a set to many popular movies like Cocktail and The Boondock Saints.  Daniel Craig who has been in and around the city for the past month, also recently shot scenes from his new thriller Dream House (starring Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz) at the restaurant.

But asides from all its star power, the greasy spoon is known for its famous Poutine.  For my friends outside of Canada, this proudly Canadian creation is essentially French Fries, topped with Gravy and Cheese Curds.  The Lakeview however takes the dish up a few notches, stacking its Sweet Potato Fries base with: Cheese Curds, Crumbled Feta Cheese, Peameal Bacon, Garlic Onion Crunch, Wild Mushroom Sauté and House Gravy.  How's that for indulgence?  The bowl is $9.50 CAN and contains enough flavour, calories and carbohydrates to share with a group of friends.  

The Lakeview also offers a second variety of Poutine with Pulled Pork and Cheese Curds layered generously on top of Sweet Potato Fries.  This version in my opinion, easily eclipses the other version by a mile thanks to its irresistibly tangy BBQ sauce and a serving of pork that is large enough to upset The Muslim and Jewish community simultaneously.

 

I tried the diner's signature The Lakeview Burger today with a side of Pulled Pork-topped Poutine.  The naturally-raised 6 oz. Beef Burger sandwich was impossibly thick, considering all the toppings it came with.  Unfortunately though, it was a little bit on the dry side.  The highlight of the meal undeniably was that famous Poutine, which stole the spotlight - a must-try for anyone venturing to this city.   And why not top it off with one of their famous $4 Mimosas or Caesars while you're at it?  Don't forget to leave your mark on their wall of Sticky Notes like I did!  Burp. (Photo credit: MR.WILL-W.) Thanks Josh!