I’ve had poutine three times, and all 3 times it was garbage
the Canadians brought actual cheese curds with them, they explained that the secrets to great authentic poutine are:
1. hand cut the potatoes
2. use real cheese curds
3. the gravy must be hot enough to melt the cheese
The knock-offs i've seen in our area typically involve using mozzarella which is akin to putting pineapple on pizza to a Canadian from what they told us.
Oh, and they made the gravy from scratch as well.
I've heard the Delirium Cafe in Leesburg has good poutine but haven't been there yet.