Let me tell you about my recent experience at this place called New York Fries. Known for their freshly cut fries and tantalizing poutines, this spot also provides you with a range of snacks and beverages.
I learned that New York Fries originated as a humble stand at the South Street Seaport in New York City, hitting the big time in the early 80s. A couple of Canadian businessmen - Jay and Hal Gould - happened to swing by on a trip to NYC and made the interesting decision to snap up the Canadian rights to the operation. They subsequently bought out the entire company in 1987. So, as it turns out, New York Fries is really a Canadian success story!
They opened their first Canadian location at Scarborough Town Centre on August 16, 1984. Fast forward to 2015, Recipe Unlimited (formerly known as Cara Operations) took them under their wing, and till date continues to be the proud owner of New York Fries.
What's The Fries Story?
The secret recipe behind New York Fries' fame was pretty straightforward - focus on one product and make it the best. This modus operandi has remained unchanged to date, with the company still sticking to Grade A Russet Burbank potatoes at all of its locations.
These potatoes aren't just any ordinary spuds; they're hand cut on-site and only tossed into the frying pan when an order comes in. They're served with the skin on for that extra punch of flavor, always hot and oh-so fresh. The Russet Burbank variety apparently possesses exquisite taste and texture, averting the dreaded sogginess commonly associated with fries.
Prepared daily and served fresh out of the cook, the fries are crispy, warm, and an absolute treat. The cherry on the top? They're fried in sunflower oil which is trans-fat-free and non-hydrogenated, marking a healthy departure from typical fast food standards.
Due to their commitment to excellent taste, the result was inevitable - New York Fries dubbed Canada's most loved french fry quick service restaurant.
While they started out with only fries in three sizes, New York Fries broadened its horizons in 1989. That's when they introduced poutines to their menu - a scintillating combo of fries topped with cheese curds and hot gravy. Of course, you can get these fries in different flavours including chicken butter toppings, braised beef, and vegetables.
For a non-fries alternative, you can order their 1/4 pound premium hot dogs, my favorite being the Poutine hot dog. It's a hot dog nestled with all the toppings you'll find in a poutine - a dish you must try!
If you visit any of their overseas locations in the UAE, you may even encounter sliders on the menu. A few Canadian locations even serve breakfast - who knew?
Poutines are a celebrated offering at New York Fries - think of them as the Canadian answer to loaded fries. The company sticks to traditional Quebec cheese curds, their proprietary hot gravy, and of course, their delicious fries creating a favorite amongst patrons.
You can find these flavors:
- Nacho Fries
- Veggie Fries
- Bacon-Double Cheese Fries
- Butter Chicken Fries
- Chili Cheese Fries
- The Works - having all of the toppings on the menu
They even offer a DIY Poutine Kit for aspiring poutine chefs like me. It comes with all you need to assemble the poutine - heated fries, toppings to your liking, and the freedom to put together your custom poutine.
Oh and for friends who are on a gluten-free diet, fret not! New York Fries maintains a gluten-free menu, without any preservatives or breading on their potatoes. They're cooked in 100% sunflower oil, which is gluten-less. They even have designated fryers for the potatoes and ensure there's no wheat or gluten in the fries. All of the poutines' toppings, including gravy, beef, chicken, vegetables, are also gluten-free.
However, some items might contain gluten, such as seasonings at the front counter, and in the sauces. Cross-contamination risks, though slim, are still present.
So, What Should You Order?
Given the small menu, it's quite easy to cover the whole lot. But if you're popping in for the first time, here's my must-try list:
- Classic French Fries and Drink Combo
- Braised Beef Poutine
- Chili Cheese Hotdog
No New York Fries excursion would be complete without tasting their world-famous classic fries. And you absolutely can't miss out on the poutines that have snowballed the restaurant's popularity.
Can You Have New York Fries Delivered?
Absolutely! Depending on your location, you can place your order on their website. In Canada, they're listed on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Skip. Various food delivery platforms deliver items listed on the New York Fries menu.
Wondering About The Working Hours?
Opening hours of New York Fries tend to vary depending upon the location. Since most of their outlets are situated in malls and shopping centers, they typically adhere to general mall timings. Most branches operate between 10 am to 10 pm, while others tee off from 11 am to 5 pm.
My Takeaways
Pros
- Fresh and hot fries
- Unique menu options
- Fries cooked in healthier oil
- Gluten-free choices
- Ability to order online
Cons
- Possible cross-contamination for gluten-free food
- Serving size could seem small to some
- Prices could be higher compared to other fast food places.