Prince Edward Island has never kept its unique potato dish ‘Fries With The Works’ a closely guarded secret.
The dish has been known by Islanders for over forty years for its hearty, comfort food appeal. Many have enjoyed it at their local restaurants, hockey rinks or take-outs.
But with the publication of a dedicated website and an online map with over fifty restaurants serving this home-grown dish, it is clear Islanders want to proudly invite EVERYONE to come and start enjoying this so far mostly by locals consumed comfort food.
On PEI you are never far away from a restaurant serving Fries With The Works! Click to access interactive map on frieswiththeworks.caFries With The Works has four key ingredients: PEI French Fries topped with Gravy, Island Ground Beef and Canned Peas.
The origin of Fries With The Works can be traced back to 1975, to Pat’s Take-Out in Unionvale, PEI. As legend has it, a worker from a nearby potato warehouse stopped into Pat’s for a bite to eat before starting his night shift.
Upon placing his order for French fries with gravy, owner Pat Pineau added some extra ingredients to his order in an effort to help the young worker stay full throughout his shift. The response was positive, and word of the dish spread quick.
By the 1980s, Fries With The Works and variations of Pat’s classic were being served Island wide. Today, nearly every dairy bar and local take-out across PEI carries a version of the ‘Classic’ Fries with the Works.
Classic ‘Fries With The Works’ – take-out versionIn addition to the ‘Classic’ Fries With The Works, new creative variations have emerged. Restaurants have customized their own versions of Fries With The Works by adding veggies, shredded cheese or poutine curds. Some even add more protein, including Chicken, Pulled Pork, or Bacon.
Whether in its classic form, or with a creative twist, no PEI summer would be complete without Fries With The Works!
