Barby Lychak poses with the 2024 Gravy Bowl, the third time her restaurant, The Knotty Pine Bistro, has won. To the right is Natasha Thomson of Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince Albert. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)
Gravy Bowl 2024

Curds all the way: Knotty Pine crowned poutine champs again

Mar 27, 2024 | 2:59 PM

Once again, the Knotty Pine Bistro at Little Red River Park has been crowned Gravy Bowl Champion.

The Gravy Bowl has been in existence for three years and every year it has been presented to Barb Lychak, owner of the Knotty Pine.

“It’s an easy way for us to give back to the community doing what we do, you know, cooking and loving the food,” Lychak said.

She gave credit to her staff and the community for coming out and buying poutine last week.

Big Brother Big Sister Prince Albert said that 1,440 poutines were sold during the promotion, earning the organization $5,700.

The first year, the Knotty Pine offered up Dill Pickle Poutine, a much different flavour than this year’s Sweet and Salty variation.

“We try different things and we have a little bit of a test market and they let us know what they like, what they don’t like then we teak it and go from there” Lychak said.

The poutines are not kept on the menu as the bistro prefers to save the dish as an exclusive offering for Poutine Week, which benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Lychak appreciates the growing interest from other Prince Albert restaurants who are participating in the annual event in higher numbers. This year, nine restaurants offered up a unique dish developed just for the week.

Money raised helps Big Brothers Big Sisters recruit, train and help volunteers mentor local youth who face adversity.

Staff at the Knotty Pine will enjoy an escape room package for eight people at Prince Albert Xscapes as their reward.

The sale rundown for this year is as follows:

Knotty Pine – 347 poutines

Lulu’s Kitchen – 274 poutines

MR MIKES’ – 221 poutines

Original Joe’s – 151 poutines

Boston Pizza – 149 poutines

Between the Buns – 97 poutines

Ricky’s – 85 poutines

Rock & Iron – 74 poutines

Shananigans – 41 poutines

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

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