Quinpool gets Steamys

Two weeks ago, Shoptalk published an earnest plea for information about the new business going into the old Soup Sergeant space at 6300 Quinpool. One tipster rose to the challenge, informing me that “Steamys” is the nickname used for Montreal-based hot-dog joint the Montreal Pool Room, renowned for its steamed franks. Saved from sadness and confusion, I followed the tip, and found the full scoop on our Steamys. While the new restaurant’s not affiliated with the aforementioned Pool Room, the two businesses do have one delicious thing in common---Montreal-style grub. Steamys should open in about two weeks, and will serve homemade fast-food, including steamed hot-dogs (featuring intriguing condiments like coleslaw and spaghetti sauce), hamburgers, poutine (complete with special gravy shipped in from Montreal) and hand-cut fries. “They’re cooked a little differently,” says owner Darrin Seasons, about the fries. “They basically melt in your mouth.” If dessert’s more your style, Steamys will also boast an ice cream bar and “the milfy,” a dessert Seasons says comes from a family recipe and describes as a “cold piece of heaven.” Seasons wants to offer diners a unique fast-food experience. “Fast food is very corporate. And we’re not like that,” he says. The restaurant will be open 11am-11pm, and may start opening later on weekends, if demand exists. After all, Seasons wants customers to feel comfortable spending time there. “We’re not in a rush to throw anybody out the door,” he says. That works out nicely---as a hand-cut fry fiend, I’m fixing to pack up my toothbrush, and move on in.