Ain’t no party like an S Club a poutine party!

Sometimes back in 2011, the Canadian Embassy figured out that I wasn’t actually Canadian. Initially I guess, my degree from McGill University got them confused and I somehow managed to get invited to a lot of great events, celebrating the Vancouver Olympics, Stanley Cup finals and Canada Day. But last year it all stopped. Le sigh. Where will I get my Molson fix now? 😉 Luckily, the Canadian Embassy is stepping up its game this year, and offering a lot of options for people who, like me, would like to celebrate our neighbours up north but aren’t quite special enough to get official invites. Starting with… drumroll… DC’s first-ever poutine party. Yes. Poutine party!!

I haven’t been to Rhino Bar and Pumphouse since I graduated from GWU. And I only used to go there because some of the people I was friends with at the time liked the place. But you can be sure you’ll find me there on Friday, June 29th when Wonky Promotions and the Embassy of Canada team up to host DC’s first ever Poutine Party in honour of Canada Day. For $25, you get all you can eat poutine AND an open bar (though shame on the organizers… there are NO Canadian beer options! Really!?!). Wow. It’s like they want me to relive my college days… which I gladly will. (door tickets are $35 so get yours now if you like the fries + cheese curds + gravy goodness that is Quebec’s unofficial national dish, event is from 7-10PM.)

Poutine with short ribs and cheddar, from Gilead’s Cafe in Toronto

The next day, cheer for the Montreal Impact as they take on D.C. United at RFK Stadium. The party will start early (4PM) at lot 8 with a special Canada Day Tailgate Party. On June 30th, a $26.25 ticket gets you  a ticket to the game and admission to the Embassy-hosted tailgate party with hot dogs, beer and soft drinks. Just enter “canada” when purchasing tickets (link: here.)

Finally on Sunday, give your brunch a FrenchCanadian twist with a Canada Day Gospel brunch with the Nathaniel Dett Chorale at The Hamilton. For more on The Hamilton’s gospel brunch, check out this review by the experts (ie. the bitches who brunch.) On Canada Day, there will be a special all-you-can-eat-buffet filled with breakfast classics and Southern dishes. Now The Hamilton does have poutine on their regular menu but no word on whether that will be available for brunch on the 1st… Tickets are $25 and available here.