"**Service and Setting:** 3/5
**Value:** 3/5
Sometimes, a craving becomes so intense that it drives you on a quest for that specific food, or else your week feels off. For me, it was poutine—a Canadian dish that's surprisingly hard to find in San Diego. After some searching and feeling let down by several restaurants claiming carne asada fries were "Mexican poutine" (an example of cultural appropriation, but I digress), I discovered H Brothers, which seemed to hold the most promise with its rich brown gravy and cheese curds.
The entrance to the restaurant felt modern and reminded me of North Italia, but once inside, the decor took on a more eclectic, perhaps hipster vibe. The ordering process involved placing your order first and then choosing your own table. The service was quick and friendly, which I appreciated.
**Original Poutine:** 3.5/5
This was the dish I eagerly hoped would satisfy my craving, and I can say it did deliver. I opted for extra cheese curds because I wanted to ensure there was plenty of cheese on my fries. The overall composition of the dish was solid. The fries were crispy and thick enough to hold up under the weight of the gravy and cheese. The gravy itself was rich, bearing a familiar brown gravy flavor (think instant or jarred, but in a good way), and was applied in just the right amount. However, I found it a bit salty for my taste. The cheese curds leaned more towards being melty than squeaky, carrying a mild yet salty flavor as well. The portion size was generous, easily enough for sharing as a side or appetizer among two or three people. While it was enjoyable, the excessive saltiness and somewhat bland overall profile made it less memorable—not a destination dish, but worth trying if you're nearby.
**H Brothers Cheesesteak:** 1/5
After the success of the poutine, I was utterly shocked by how disappointing the cheesesteak was. The meat in this dish didn't resemble a traditional cheesesteak at all; it tasted more like deli-sliced roast beef than anything else."
