Popular food truck still serving up the best poutine in Orléans
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star
When Jade Racicot and Jesse Teasdale bought their first food truck in 2009, they had no idea the path they were about to set out on.
The pair grew up in the south end of Ottawa, but went to different high schools. It wasn’t until they both graduated that they began dating and their relationship soon blossomed.
Jade and Jesse were both working in the restaurant industry when Jade found a chip wagon for sale on usedottawa.com. Tired of working for other people, the pair decided to give self-employment a try and bought the truck. After whipping it into shape, including giving it a fresh cut of gold metallic paint, thus the name Golden Fries, they opened for business at the corner of Carling and Preston in 2009.
Within weeks of opening, the city
began tearing up the street which severely impacted their business. Fate would intervene, however, when a friend who worked for the company that owns the Convent Glen Shopping Plaza, offered them a spot in the parking lot. The rest, as they say, is history.
The location on Jeanne d’Arc Blvd. North is in a high-traffic zone, practically across the street from St. Matthew High School and everyone knows how much high school students like fires and poutine.
But while Golden Fries specialized in those chip truck staples, they also developed weekly specials including a Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, Fish & Chips and a “Big Mac” poutine, all of which became permanent fixtures on the menu.
In 2023, they were named Faces Magazine’s Food Truck of the Year and Ottawa’s Best Poutine. They’ve held on to the title of Ottawa’s
Favourite Food Truck every year since.
What started out as one food truck is now a food service business with three trailers and 21 employees. Besides the flagship location in Convent Glen, the other trailers are available for special events and festivals such as the Orléans Craft Beer Festival. Jesse manages the Convent Glen location, while Jade takes care of the special event side of the business.
Over the years, Golden Fries has become the most popular food truck in Orléans with an incredibly loyal clientele. Customers who first came as high school students 15 years ago continue to come after graduating from university and college.
“It’s pretty cool to see these kids grow up. We’ve kind of grown up together,” says Jesse. “Seventeen years is a long time, but it’s flown by. If you had told me 17 years ago
Jade Racicot and Jesse Teasdale (right) have been serving up the best poutine in Orléans for more than 17 years. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
that I would end up making a career out of this I would have said you’re crazy.”
The key to Golden Fries success is the ingredients they use, including locally sourced potatoes, St. Albert cheese curds and organic, grass fed
beef from Dumouchel Meat & Deli in Vanier. That combination is the reason why people come back to Golden Fries again and again.
Golden Fries in the Convent Glen Shopping Plaza is open from 11-8 p.m. seven days a week.
Proper insulation can save you money all year round
By Fred Sherwin
The Orléans Star
When it comes to home upgrades, insulation is often overlooked – yet it plays a vital role in improving comfort, reducing energy bills, and even boosting your home’s market value.
Fortunately, Orléans homeowners have access to Attic Pros, a trusted local company with over a decade of experience in delivering toptier insulation services. Led by the father-son team of Jeff and Justice Koradi, Attic Pros specializes in green insulation solutions that combine innovation with proven techniques.
While Jeff leads the company, Justice oversees the day-today operations, ensur-ing every project meets their high standards. Together, they’ve helped thousands of resi-dents and business owners enjoy more comfortable indoor
spaces while saving significantly on energy costs.
Attic Pros offers a full range of services, including:
- Attic and wall insulation
- Spray foam insulation
- Insulation removal (especially when old materials are outdated or potentially hazardous)
Many homeowners assume insulation upgrades should wait until fall, but summer is actually one of the best times to improve your attic insulation. Installing insulation during warm weather helps keep your home cooler by reducing heat transfer from the attic, lowering air conditioning costs, and improving overall indoor comfort during hot summer months. It also gives homeowners time to address insulation deficiencies before winter arrives, avoiding the seasonal rush and ensuring maximum energy savings year-
round. In addition, warmer, drier conditions can make installation and attic inspections easier and more efficient.
All work is performed to code, allowing eligible homeowners to qualify for government grants or rebates along with 12 months of 0% financing (OAC). In addition, Attic Pros installs insulation products that offer excellent fire and mold resistance—an added layer of protection that may also help reduce home insurance costs.
What sets Attic Pros apart is their hands-on approach. Jeff and Justice personally oversee every installation, ensuring quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
“We’ve earned the reputation of being one of Ottawa’s top insulation companies, and we work hard to maintain that with every single job,” says Jeff Koradi.
Whether you’re upgrading your current home or starting a new build, Attic Pros will guide you through every step from inspection and budget-friendly options to grant applications and seamless installation.
In the end, you’ll enjoy not just a well-insulated home, but the peace of mind that comes from working with professionals who truly care.
To learn more, visit atticinsulationpros.ca or call 613702-8374
Jeff and Justice Koradi are the father and son duo behind the Attic Pros home insulation company. FILE PHOTO
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COMMUNITY BILLBOARD
THURSDAY, JULY 9
ORLÉANS FARMERS’
MARKET from 11 am to 4 pm in the Orléans Town Centre Plaza, 290 Centrum Blvd. Browse 130+ local vendors, grab a bite, and discover amazing handmade and local finds. Plenty of parking available.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
KARAOKE NIGHT at the Orléans branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. Everyone welcome.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’
MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION.
SUNDAY, JULY 12
VINTAGE CAR EXPERIENCE from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Cumberland Village. Explore the rapid design and mechanical advancements made during the earliest years of the automotive era. Cost: Adult - $9.42; Senior (ages 65 and up) - $6.65; Student (valid full-time student ID required) - $6.65; Youth (ages 6 to 17) - $6.65; Child (ages 5 and under) - Free; Family (Up to two adults, and accompanying children, all living in the same household)$23.83.
MONDAY, JULY 13
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Monday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981
St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d’Arc. For more info visit facebook.com/ RoyalOakPubsOrleans.cover.
FRIDAY, JULY 17
LIVE MUSIC at the Orléans branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. featuring the band Snap Crackle Pop. Everyone welcome..
FRIDAY, JULY 24
LINE DANCING with Hell to Toe Rodeo at the Orléans branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. Everyone welcome.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
MUSIC IN THE WOODS with live music, kids zone, and a variety of food and drink options from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Roy G Hobbs Community Centre, 109 Lark Cres. Hosted by the Convent GlenOrléans Wood Community Assoc.
