La Poutine Week in Toronto is on now until February 7, and while we'll happily celebrate the QuĂŠbĂŠcois comfort food in classic form, we're increasingly intrigued by hybrid variations found here in Toronto.

Take the Jerk Shawarma Poutine ($6.95) at Chris Jerk in Scarborough for example; here the iconic combination of golden fresh-cut fries, cheese curds, and gravy doesn't veer too far from tradition, but it's still infused with Jamaican flavours and Mediterranean cooking techniques.

While shredded cheese will undoubltly have purists up in arms, it's the house gravy ladled over top that's the real standout. Made from scratch, this rich reduction starts with chicken bones, boiled down from a stock until it's deeply flavoured then thickened and spiced with a house blend of Jerk.

Shaved bits of Jerk chicken shawarma crown the dish, and while that might sound like a recipe for fusion-food overload - it's actually a glorious addition. The thoroughly marinated poultry is skewered and slowly rotisserie-cooked, shawarma-style on a vertical spit until it's succulent with a crispy exterior.

Thanks to IBM for sponsoring this post. IBM Watson's cognitive system helps chefs create new recipes and helps businesses cook up new ideas.

Know of any Toronto restaurants doing interesting takes on poutine? Let us know in the comments.