Along the quaint Elgin Street, lies a string of quiet-looking shops, bakery, eateries, paper shop, convenient stores. I was trotting to the Musee of Nature on foot from my hotel located at Albert Street. Yes, indeed, I contributed quite minimally to OC Transpo for my 16days stay in Ottawa and most of the time I walked from street to street to get to places in downtown. It's not difficult. Just a few streets away from Musee of Nature, I passé Elgin Street Diner to report to the museum, marking the spot to return after my dino fossils viewing. And I did return without regrets. ESD is not hard to spot from afar. The green color that magnify its facade shines instantly. I eagerly pushed open the door and enter to find the place bustling with conversations and laughters in the background. Those guys behind the food counter acknowledged my presence at the door and a lady on the shop floor quickly ushered me to a table next to the window front. Good seats to do your people-watch, seeing the natives in their day to day usual self. I was given the menu immediately and I knew instantly that poutine is on my list today. I have had 2 poutines during my trip so far and they hadn't been able to impress me much which I almost thought of giving it up. What's the hype about poutine when it's just French fries with sauces and cheese?? I ordered one original Poutine and a breakfast dish since they serve all-day-breakfast. The big serving of French Toast in 3 slices arrived on my table smartly. 3 thick slab of sesame toast dressed up in egg washed and pan fried till golden brown! I see traces of sesame seeds falling off the crust, the mellow yellow hue draping the exterior looks so tantalizing that I couldn't resist but pick it up to offer my biggest bite on it. Crisp on the outer & soft in the center, the toast is wonderfully perfumed in egg washed in its somewhat fluffy structure. U got to drizzle the golden syrup that serves alongside or slather some butter on it for another impactful experience. The sweetness in the syrup makes a French toast alive, I love combining the sweet liquid to it than the butter. At $8.99, the 3 slabs are more than enough to feed an Asian gal. But I greedy asked for a Poutine which comes without a size:)) unlike most places that tailors the portion to your needs, it's a standard serving at ESD. I knew predictably that I will ended up with food wastage when the guy walked to my table, holding on with the big plate of Poutine! But supremely gooey feel in that plate. This is what I adamantly voted on for a good Poutine! Yes, people from the Quebec City sang the famed poutine notes every now and then, of course, each standing by their own fave. Then I have another native telling me a Traditional Poutine should taste something close to what Gabriel's Pizza offers which I didn't liked. To me and according to what has been spread around, the brown sauce has to be thick not runny, can be mildly salted while others tweaked to be more generous in their salt helping. But cheese curd is a must in the dish, not replacing it with mozzarella or any others. And so ESD has got everything it takes to a traditional poutine, I hoped. Anyway, it did impress me and I am more convinced in what I am eating today. It's thick in the brown gravy, saltish but not unacceptable topping the hand cut fries (not soiling them like a pool of muddy reservoirs like I have eaten previous). I marveled at the cheese curds, a good handful of it atop the golden deep fried fries. Chewy and mildly cheesy. I love the quirky texture of it, well, this is my maiden attempt, I haven't seen any in Singapore. The combination was memorable. Worth the calories. For $8.99, though it's not very wallet friendly, I am happy to leave Ontario bringing along the good memory of poutine. Best of all, get your cappuccino for only $0.99 here. Where on earth can u find one at this amazing price, insanely cheap! I got mine and it was a decent brew, smooth and creamy. The service had been good, fast and friendly. I guess that's the good spirit of a diner outlet; fun-looking ambience. Asked for your bill ticket and get it paid at the counter, near the mouth-watering cake window display with red velvet, chocolate fudge, all in huge slices! They spilt the bill into 2 without requesting and I think it's a perfect gesture since we are going on Dutch. A great 24-hour joint that never sleeps! A place that could fit 50-60s without question. I had a good time here. read more