The recent Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal brought plenty of speed and excitement, but it also served up some delicious celebrity sightings, including a surprisingly viral moment involving actor Ben Stiller and a famous local dish: poutine. This fun intersection of Hollywood, high-speed racing, and iconic Quebecois food quickly captured attention online, highlighting the city’s vibrant atmosphere during the major event.
Montreal is famous for its unique culinary scene, boasting iconic dishes like smoked meat and, of course, poutine. The Grand Prix weekend often sees global stars visit the city, and this year, two of Montreal’s food legends got star treatment. Earlier, Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll was spotted enjoying Montreal’s renowned smoked meat. This time, it was Ben Stiller’s turn to be linked to another local favourite.
A Sweet (or Savory) Surprise at the Circuit
Ben Stiller, known for hit movies like Zoolander and Meet the Parents, was in Montreal with his wife, Christine Taylor, to take in the Grand Prix action. While they were seen enjoying the race environment, one particular photo shared online created a buzz.
The photo appeared on the Instagram account of Ashton, a well-loved Quebec chain famous for its poutine. The image showed Ben Stiller standing right next to a substantial serving of Ashton’s classic poutine, complete with a fork ready for action.
Ben Stiller standing next to a large poutine at the Montreal Grand Prix
The caption from Ashton perfectly captured the unexpected nature of the sighting: “Ben Stiller and an Ashton poutine in the same photo was not on our bingo card.” This playful reaction resonated with locals and fans alike, turning the simple snapshot into a viral moment. Ashton has been serving Quebec poutine since 1969, making their presence at the Grand Prix circuit a natural fit for showcasing local flavour to international visitors.
More Celebrity Food Buzz
Beyond Ben Stiller, the Grand Prix weekend also saw other playful connections between the racing world and Montreal’s food scene. Ashton also shared a photo featuring Leo, the dog of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, looking down from a height with the caption, “POV: Leo just waiting for his poutine at the Canadian Grand Prix.” While perhaps less viral than the Stiller photo, it added to the fun, lighthearted social media presence around the event.
The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve itself hosted around 120 food vendors during the Grand Prix, offering everything from global cuisines to local specialties. Ashton’s location in the Green Zone provided race-goers with the chance to experience their famous poutine made with golden fries, fresh cheese curds, and hot gravy – a dish deeply rooted in Quebec tradition.
Why This Matters
This moment is a fun reminder of how major events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix not only bring international stars to cities but also shine a spotlight on local culture, including its beloved food. Ben Stiller’s photo near the Ashton poutine stand created a relatable, slightly unexpected viral hit, celebrating both a Hollywood figure and an iconic Montreal dish. It shows how simple, authentic local experiences can sometimes be the most memorable part of a big international event.
Whether you’re a fan of Formula 1, Hollywood stars, or just delicious comfort food, this viral moment is a testament to Montreal’s unique charm.
Looking to explore Montreal’s culinary delights? Check out guides to the best restaurants in Montreal or discover some of the best cheap eats in Montreal.
