Tech

Some of La Poutine Week’s Most Intriguing Creations in Montreal – Eater Montreal

Published

4 years ago

February 1, 2021

La Poutine Week is upon us, and though many — likely, most — would prefer the more commonplace mound of squeaky curds, subtly-spiced gravy, and crisp-then-soggy fries, well that’s just not what this time of the year is about. Instead, participating restaurants dream up a new take on the tried-and-true classic, often adding copious amounts of toppings that seem to have no business in a poutine, yet, somehow, just might work. Others opt for a fusion-y mashup, while some deviate so blatantly from the mold that it’s hard to say whether their creation should even qualify.

This year, more than 700 restaurants across the country are participating, with 120 of those coming from right here in Montreal. Below is a round-up of some of the most notable offerings in the city, highlighted for everything from actually sounding good to not being a poutine at all.

Yes, Let’s Do This

Poutine Week/Supplied

Piklìz Comptoir Caribéen’s Piklìz Poutine: Maybe it’s the grainy photo, but this poutine looks like one that might really have some staying power. Its approach seems similar to that of exceedingly popular Ma Poule Mouillé in that it opts for an already loved protein (in this case, its griot pork cubes) and a spiced, peppery sauce that cuts through the grease — but otherwise stays true to form.

The Famous Cosmos’ Cosmolio: Landmark Sherbrooke Street West greasy spoon Cosmos has long attributed its success to its potatoes — first boiled then mashed onto a flattop for a hash brown with bits of almost caramelized char, so it’s no surprise that these would be the star of the show when it tries its hand at reinventing the poutine. Bacon, sausage, and a fried egg (a nod to its iconic Mish-Mash Omelette, perhaps) also make an appearance, for a more breakfast-leaning poutine. Cheese curds and gravy are slathered atop.

Not Poutine, But, Also, Not Necessarily Bad?

Léché Desserts’s Leche churros “poutine”: Calling this a poutine is kind of a stretch, and judging from the air quotes in its name, its creators know it. But it does sound quite tempting, and it hits a few of the poutine markers: the carb — a pile of sugary churros — is deep-fried, delivering on that crisp factor, and unlike most of the contenders, it does keep to a trilogy of ingredients. Only thing: its gravy is dulce de leche and its curds are marshmallows.

Sam Cha’s Kimchi Fries: French fries topped with mozzarella cheese, stir-fried kimchi and pork, a drizzle of mayo and a yolky egg — we are here for it, but it isn’t poutine.

This Might Just Work

Thali Indian’s Shahi Poutine: Butter chicken has become a somewhat typical overhaul when it comes to poutine (several restaurants are doing it this year, and others have in the past), but Thali Indian’s addition of shahi paneer (cubes of cheese submerged in a thick, velvety tomato-based gravy) make it stand out.

Burger Bar: Unlike many of its peers, Burger Bar already had a classic poutine on its menu from which to bounce off. It added popcorn chicken, and buffalo and ranch sauces, which though may mix in a visually unsavoury way after a couple bites, does sound like it could bring a dose of freshness without venturing into the generally unwelcome veggie department.

You Got My Attention…

Ho Lee Chix’s Yin Yang poutine: A mix of regular and sweet potato shoestring fries and Ho Lee Chix’s raved-about fried chicken are topped on one side with a red jelly-like sauce and on the other with a creamy pea and corn gravy. Though the description leaves out the cheese curds, the photo shows them peering through. Difficult to say whether this one will sing — but at least you get two dishes in one?

Nickels Smoky Mountain: Leave it to Quebec diner chain Nickels to add an entire smoked meat sandwich (even if a mini one) on top of a poutine, have it propped up with bacon scaffolding, and all drizzled in yellow mustard. It reads like a publicity stunt, but at the same time kind of brings a welcome solution to the age-old question: Do I opt for the poutine or the smoked meat sandwich?

This Doesn’t Feel Right

Faberge’s Fabergé Stack: Elevating poutine with the addition of say foie gras or duck confit is acceptable in the poutine playbook, but transforming it so that a fork and knife choreography appears necessary strays a little too far off. Faberge does keep it simple with a potato patty, curds, and a creamy sausage gravy, which doesn’t sound terrible at all, but, again, not being able to quickly shovel it down doesn’t sit very well with us.

Taco-Signature’s Taco-Poutine: The guacamole isn’t the issue here, since we’ve seen the topping warmly embraced by the patrons of Poutineville, La Banquise, and Paulo et Suzanne. It’s the soft taco shell: First off, adding a carb to the already heavy line-up can be risky, but turning it into a handheld affair is the real grievance here — even if the filling is delicious. One of the beauties of poutine has always been that despite how utterly defeated you may feel after eating it, you never had to get your hands dirty.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.