96661 Tue Jul 10 15:08:33 -0700 2001 120 22 Quebec (including Montreal) 0 527268 I'll be in Montreal this weekend and want to make sure I try the smoked meat. Any suggestions as to where the best place to get it might be? Tue Jul 10 15:08:33 -0700 2001 0 Teddi 1 527272 Ben's has very delicious smoked meat.The waiter was very friendly too. Thu Jul 19 11:55:25 -0700 2001 527268 0 Car 1 527273 Without any doubt, the best place is Schwartz on North St Laurent street.The meat is superb!! I have not been there in a couple of years, but I try to make a pilgrimage at that temple of smoked meat whenever I am in town. Thu Jul 19 22:38:04 -0700 2001 527268 0 Guy Lesperance 1 527274 Schwartz's... for the authentic smoked meat... Sun Jul 22 21:09:47 -0700 2001 527268 0 Warren H. Prince 1 527276 Another vote for Schwartz's on St. Laurent..service is in the brusque New York style. Sun Jul 22 21:59:09 -0700 2001 527268 0 jpr 1 527494 Can someone tell me whatever happened to Dunn's Delicatessen? I read on a website that it is now defunct. When did it close? And why? Last time I ate there in the Fall of 1997 it seemed to be doing its usual good business. I first ate there in 1986 and revisited several times over the next decade. Although there are other places that serve better viande fume, this was a major Montreal institution for me... Tue Feb 05 15:14:44 -0800 2002 527268 0 Keith Ninesling 2 2857155 Defunct No Moved Yes They are On Metcalf now. http://www.dunnsfamous.com/ Fri Aug 17 22:58:24 -0700 2007 527494 120140 DC10 1 1958540 Schwartz's is something we miss about Montreal so much - we lived there for 6 months in the winter of 2004-5, and we often got the smoked duck, which have to be ordered in advance and are SO GOOD. Really peppery, and make excellent sammiches, and the bones boiled down into broth are EXCELLENT. I haven't been able to make mashed potatoes so good since I no longer have access to smoked duck bones for broth. :( Thu Oct 19 21:42:53 -0700 2006 527268 24783 Kosmonaut 1 1959816 i havent had smoked meat in a few years but i must say that i am shocked when people claim lester's or ben's or even snow deli to have good smoked meat. personally, i find all three of those places - EVEN THE MAIN - to have bland boring smoked meat. I think i might have to claim that Abby's in the west island has the best with schwartz's a close second. those two places are on a level of their own. Fri Oct 20 13:32:41 -0700 2006 527268 14181 celfie 1 1959826 My vote goes to Snowdon Deli or Lester's. I find Schwartz's smoked meat to be dry and chewy. Fri Oct 20 13:36:56 -0700 2006 527268 45482 olivergail 2 2015246 There we go... someone who's not crazy about Schwartzs'. Not the only place you know. May want to drive to Mtl's west end and try "Smokemeat Pete's". Recently rated #2 in Mtl. and possibly the world. Schwartz's came first of course, 'cause they've been around forever and people just have to vote that way. Oh yeah, Pete's is real easy to find... right behind the Dairy Queen on hywy 20 in Ile. Perrot, QC. Not that far when your addicted to good Smoked Meat. Sun Nov 12 16:27:16 -0800 2006 1959826 52693 jeffdmtl 3 2017736 We made a special trip out to Pete's when I was in Montreal a week ago, and I have to say, it was definitely worth it. Cut a little thicker than I'm accustomed to, but excellent, not too fatty, not too lean, great flavour. On the other hand, they apparently get a lot of accolades for their fries, too, which I thought were basically terrible. Mon Nov 13 19:04:10 -0800 2006 2015246 10021 Jacquilynne 4 2018669 I'm with you on the fries... they claim to cook drain and cook again.. but they really weren't great, Latkas' also. But good meat! Mon Nov 13 22:47:50 -0800 2006 2017736 52693 jeffdmtl 4 2019872 Smoked Meat Pete originally got their accolades for their fries, when they were rated #1 in Montreal for best fries by the Montreal Gazette in their Quest for the Best food series. That was around 6 years ago. Their fries might of changed since them(can't remember where they got their potatoes from at that time(it wasn't PEI potatoes), but it was unusual). Tue Nov 14 07:19:30 -0800 2006 2017736 11610 BLM 1 1960776 Though I do believe that they did close for a while some years ago, Dunn's has been changing locations and opening new ones of late. They have four locations listed on their website: Downtown 1249 Metcalfe, Montreal 514.395.1927 Marché Centrale 1029 Marche Centrale, Montreal 514.385.1927 Ste-Dorothée Mega Center 13-2260 Aut.Chomedey, Laval 450.689.2525 St-Leonard 6795 Jarry East, St-Leonard, Qc 514.322.8304 Fri Oct 20 18:24:57 -0700 2006 527268 16803 RomanW 2 1965133 Dunn's closed in 1998. They reopened several years later(around 2001) at a different location(on Phillips-Square just off Ste-Catherine). Then they moved to their present location on Metcalfe. Their Metcalfe location like their location on Ste-Catherine street for many decades, is open 24 hours a day(they never close). BTW, they're some Dunn's delis across Canada, but they're not connected with the current Dunn's operation in Montreal. Mon Oct 23 04:04:10 -0700 2006 1960776 11610 BLM 1 1966566 Sanity check here - Schwartz's is the benchmark, everything else tries to be Schwartz's with Abies & Georges close, very close. SM Pete I'm told ranks up there as well. Snowdon Del, although dear to my heart, doesn't hold up either. If you like your SM all loaded up with preservatives & G-d knows what else, then you will appreciate Bens, Lesters, Dunns or even the Main. IMHO a Schwartz's medium-fat sandwich can't be beat washed with a Cott Black Cherry of course. Mon Oct 23 19:28:10 -0700 2006 527268 43126 RhondaB 2 1966862 I think you're off-base re the Main. I've said recently that the quality isn't consistently top-notch, and that is a real problem. I ascribe it to relatively low turnover, which means you may get meat that's been in the steamer too long or not long enough. That issue aside, the meat is to all appearances prepared on the premises using a traditional recipe, and it's very obviously not the slimy, rubbery, junk served at most places. Do they take shortcuts or use industrial preservatives and the like? Maybe they do, but there's no proof that I know of. Mon Oct 23 20:50:08 -0700 2006 1966566 13325 Mr F 3 1966876 after a run in with a korean bbq in toronto, i am no longer veg! i will have to pick up from where i left off but i recall all the non-shwartz's places being EXTREMELY bland - except for abby's which is the absolute closest - and perhaps even better (in my opinion) Mon Oct 23 20:54:34 -0700 2006 1966862 14181 celfie 3 1967794 The Main makes their smoked meat. The drawback with many of the smoke meat establishments mentioned here, is that they're consistently top-notch. At all these places(except for Ben's), I've had great smoked meat. I have a friend who told me recently that Schwartz's has gone downhill in recent years. I haven't noticed it, but I don't frequent Schwartz's that often anymore. My favourite is still the Snowdon Deli, & I've never had a bad smoked meat sandwich there. Tue Oct 24 02:50:03 -0700 2006 1966862 11610 BLM 4 1968402 Sorry I meant to say, the drawback with many of the smoked meat establishments mentioned here, is that they're 'not' consistently top-notich. Tue Oct 24 13:54:46 -0700 2006 1967794 11610 BLM 3 2006686 I believe the photos & captions in Carswell's post are bang on about the Main. "Watery, pinkish ... let's get out of here". I am skeptical as to whether or not the Main's s.m. is made on premises - it just tastes so water injected & false, unlike the "dry" smoked meat you get at Schwartz's, Abie's or George's. Hey sonny - one med fat with a black cherry to go svp. Wed Nov 08 20:45:24 -0800 2006 1966862 43126 RhondaB 4 2007674 Have you been to the Main recently? I was there yesterday, and my medium-fat sandwich was just fine. Not watery, not unduly pink, not too dry (as I have sometimes encountered there), well spiced. As I said, the place is by no means perfect, but let's be fair: this place is absolutely not down there with the Bens of this world. And yes, I have had my share of Schwartz's over the years. Thu Nov 09 02:54:18 -0800 2006 2006686 13325 Mr F 4 2007921 If they don't make it on the premises, all their briskets would be in vacuum-packed in the display, not openly exposed like that. I do notice it's quite pinkish, maybe it's because how they're spiced(more along the lines of regular smoked meat). The Main possibly taking shortcuts in their smoked meat making(Rhonda says their smoked meat taste so water injected & false), it's possible. Thu Nov 09 05:48:49 -0800 2006 2006686 11610 BLM 2 1967800 Georges deli, for people who might not know(it's relatively unknown) is in Laval. I've tried them twice, & their smoked meat is pretty good(they make their own smoked meat). Tue Oct 24 02:53:27 -0700 2006 1966566 11610 BLM 1 1968190 I understand that Schwartz is an 'experience'. I've been there, it's great, smoked meat is good etc. IMO, however, the Nower smoked meat shop on Centre street makes the best smoked meat in Montreal. They make their own smoked meat, as well as other meats, nitrate-free & delicious. For example, they'll smoke a whole turkey for you on order (a co-worker always orders a smoked turkey from them for the holidays). Anyway, it's a place that does mostly take out of sliced meats, but they also make sandwiches to go. Really amazing smoked meat (of course you can ask for reg./med. or lean). Highly recommend. Nower, Les Produits de Viande Fumee du Quebec Inc., 1889 Rue Centre, Tel.514 935-5297 Oh, and their bacon is excellent, it's the only one I'll buy now. Tue Oct 24 11:04:59 -0700 2006 527268 20128 morebubbles 2 2138930 Nower is the brand name for the Quebec Smoked Meat establishment. However their smoked meat, is still known under Quebec Smoked Meat(not using the Nower name for the smoked meat). I like the Quebec Smoked Meat product. 'Smoked Meat Pete' was getting their smoked meat made by Quebec Smoked Meat for several years(I don't think they're Smoked Meat Pete's supplier now). Sat Dec 30 05:46:48 -0800 2006 1968190 11610 BLM 1 1968246 I completely agree, bubbles. They seel superb rye and dills also. I must try that bacon! I am also not a fan of Schwarz. The meat is too gristly and I prefer a thinner cut. Tue Oct 24 12:19:54 -0700 2006 527268 14157 C70 1 1968620 The results of the Smoke(d) Meat Marathon/Crawl held a couple of years ago were: 1. Schwartz's 2. Snowdon Deli (old fashioned) 3. Abie's 4. George's 5. The Main See www.paulsfinest.com/pss/smokemeat.php for pics. Haven't tried Abie's or George's but agree with the ranking of Schwartz's, Snowdon and The Main. Snowdon is my fallback: a sandwich comparable to Schwartz's but with no queuing outside or surly waiters and really good alternative eats. More than one reliable source has raved about Smoked Meat Pete on Île Perot. Tue Oct 24 15:26:03 -0700 2006 527268 10520 carswell 2 2015944 Can't pass judgement 'till you've tried them all... Again, SM Pete's was just named #2 for Smoked Meat as per a CFCF/Pulse call in survey... Fairly large audience don't ya know. I think... We might all agree that if you're in need of great smoked meat, You'd have to be in Montreal... Anyone?? Sun Nov 12 22:33:58 -0800 2006 1968620 52693 jeffdmtl 3 2018161 The CFCF survey is about as credible as the Mirror's Best of Montreal i.e. not much, which is only testimony to people's lack of taste. I'm not saying that Smoked Meat Pete's is not good. I've never been so I have no way of knowing. I'm just saying that a good showing in a call-in survey don't mean much and does not make for a strong argument. Mon Nov 13 20:44:53 -0800 2006 2015944 18488 SnackHappy 4 2018454 A few years ago, I heard that Smoked Meat Pete gets his meat from Quebec Smoked Meat on Centre St. in the Point (just west of Shearer). Is it not still the case? Mon Nov 13 21:53:52 -0800 2006 2018161 16803 RomanW 5 2019711 From what I heard, Quebec Smoked Meat doesn't make their smoked meat anymore. Tue Nov 14 05:03:48 -0800 2006 2018454 11610 BLM 6 2040691 They actually offer both... I asked yesterday. Mmmm! Wed Nov 22 02:43:47 -0800 2006 2019711 52693 jeffdmtl 7 2040799 What do you mean they offer both? Wed Nov 22 03:42:10 -0800 2006 2040691 11610 BLM 4 2018693 I hear ya. Just that the survey brought Pete's to the front for what it's worth. There a lot of worthy meat out there for sure. Thanks for your point of view. JD Mon Nov 13 22:54:09 -0800 2006 2018161 52693 jeffdmtl 1 1968698 Yes, Smoked Meat Pete is quite good! Tue Oct 24 15:49:36 -0700 2006 527268 20128 morebubbles 1 1968841 I had smoked meat sandwich at the deli in the Casino and thought is was very good. Has anyone else tried the smoked meat there? Tue Oct 24 16:30:08 -0700 2006 527268 11222 Infomaniac 1 1974091 ok no longer a veg ate shwartz's last night all the naysayers just don't know that's all i'm saying. Thu Oct 26 15:16:46 -0700 2006 527268 14181 celfie 1 2017058 went to the main this weekend mediocrity at its finest how anyone can hate on schwartz's is beyond me Mon Nov 13 15:49:41 -0800 2006 527268 14181 celfie 1 2017543 Was their smoked meat way too dry? Eaten The Main smoked meat 5-6 times, & except for last time, it was always too dry. The last time there, I was very specific in asking fattier side of the brisket & make sure it's medium-fat. Of the Montreal smoked meat delis, Snowdon Deli is the most underrated in my opionion(it's usually gets knocked around here & on the other food board, when smoked meat is discussed). Eaten smoked meat at Snowdon Deli 12-15 times, & it's always excellent smoked meat, even trying their regular smoked meat several times & once corned beef(also excellent). It's not only the quality of the meat(with decent amount of fat), but also proper steaming for great smoked meat. That's why I'm guessing, some smoked meat places could be inconsistent(I've had sub-par smoked meat at Schwartz's, Dunn's, Abie's, The Main, Lesters, etc.). Mon Nov 13 18:16:21 -0800 2006 527268 11610 BLM 2 2017637 it's not that its dry, i find the main, and lesters to be rubbery and not very flavorful. i cant remember if ive ever had a hot smoked meat sandwich at snowdon deli, but my family has been getting the cold thin slices there for 50 yrs and ive never been impressed. my personal preference has always been schwartz's and abie's. ive gone to schwartz's maybe 5 times in the last 2 weeks and not once was i dissapointed - can't imagine ever being. Mon Nov 13 18:40:21 -0800 2006 2017543 14181 celfie 3 2020802 I don't want to sound like a Main shill, because I'm not (and I wouldn't rate the food ahead of Schwartz's, either, which may not have been clear from previous posts), but I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going nuts. Mediocrity, OK, I can buy it; inconsistency, sure, seen and tasted it myself; an inferior recipe: a perfectly defensible opinion. But apart from all that, I have never, ever encountered that rubberiness that's the hallmark of industrial smoked meat, except that one time somebody I was with ordered the smoked veal. And I am, unfortunately, all too familiar with that rubberiness from the usual suspects (mainly Rubens, but even Bens and Chenoys) because of various late-night downtown emergencies over the years. Not recently, thankfully. Lesters also served me that thin, machine-sliced rubbery stuff on my last visit a couple of years ago. (If you're wondering why I still go to the Main once in a while despite acknowledged flaws, the answer is in the total package, which includes, at most times of day, the ability to walk in and sit down for a leisurely meal over a newspaper -- impossible at Schwartz's except maybe in the middle of a massive blizzard. Regardless, I will go to Schwartz's soon just to make sure I'm not completely losing it.) Tue Nov 14 17:54:05 -0800 2006 2017637 13325 Mr F 2 2018722 I've had Schwartzs',Abies' and Pete's all fairly recently and were all really good although Abie's cutters could be more consistent. Mon Nov 13 22:59:48 -0800 2006 2017543 52693 jeffdmtl 2 2032691 Absolutely agree. Snowden smoked meat is excellent -- as of me, I like it better than Schwartz's. It is more peppery and is cut in thicker slices, both of which I like. They'll also put some cole slaw in the sandwich if you ask them to. Yum. Making me hungry just to write this. Sat Nov 18 19:36:57 -0800 2006 2017543 24444 Patelenberg 1 2018679 We Love Sshwartz's. You can also buy there seasoning chicken and beef. Both are great at home. Mon Nov 13 22:50:31 -0800 2006 527268 44343 Happyone 1 2019471 I am not from Montreal and have only ever eaten brisket at Schwartzs. It was while I was in the city a couple of years ago and hounded my why there for a sandwich. I went back the next day. That first sandwich ranks as a top ten food experience for me. And I really enjoyed the weird little restaurant and found that it added to the experience (although I can appreciate it may be a little inconvenient for day-to-day eating). I remember that at one point the smoker shot out sparks into the the dinning room, which then exploded like fireworks. Doesn't get to much more authentic than that. Tue Nov 14 03:17:17 -0800 2006 527268 48378 BarnNB 2 2020747 "I remember that at one point the smoker shot out sparks into the the dinning room, which then exploded like fireworks. Doesn't get to much more authentic than that." This was almost certainly the charcoal grill used for steaks and the like, not the smoker (which is either upstairs or in the back and, AFAIK, always out of public view). The grill does add a nice warmth to the room on a winter day. Tue Nov 14 17:36:36 -0800 2006 2019471 13325 Mr F 1 2022924 I know that lesters does not seem to be anyones favorite. Has anyone tried their packages that get put in boiling water? Obviously they will not compete with eating at schwartzs, but for us people living in the states, is it worth getting? Wed Nov 15 06:07:12 -0800 2006 527268 42567 restaurantelite.com 2 2023932 It is Smoked meat and not at the same time, know what I mean. Wed Nov 15 18:12:07 -0800 2006 2022924 52693 jeffdmtl 1 2023283 Please note there are 2 Lesters do not confuse them!: Lesters Deli in Outremont who make their own IMO good smoked meat and will also ship worldwide http://www.lestersdeli.com/ And also, the god awful Lesters Deli Products who make the bad smoked meat you find in generic restaurants as well as the local grocery. The fact the they also make hot dogs shoult tell you all you need. http://lesters.ca/template1.asp?cat=5 Wed Nov 15 14:23:50 -0800 2006 527268 13079 ScoobySnacks20 2 2023921 Hmmm... Not sure if you can still ship to the U.S. anymore, Meat products that is... They're still on edge with the Mad Cow thang. Our drivers can't carry "any" packaged meat or meals with meat with them in coolers across the boarder... Must stock up down there. Wed Nov 15 18:10:19 -0800 2006 2023283 52693 jeffdmtl 2 2171838 On a visit to the area, the real estate agent took us around to the different neighborhoods. He said, that he had the perfect place for lunch and we would stop there. It was Lester's Deli. He said that there was another one that everyone thought was better but, he said they haven't been the same the past few years. His preference was Lesters. I have to tell all of you, as my first experience of smoked meat sandwiches, it was pretty darn good! Every single one I've tried since then from other places has been pretty bland and rubbery. Now, that I'm living here in Montreal, it looks like I'll need to make my way to Schwartz to try there's so I can parttake in the great debate! Wed Jan 10 03:29:26 -0800 2007 2023283 65518 calla0413 2 2213077 This doesn't agree with my personal experiences. Lesters in Outremont wasn't very good when I lived in Montreal back in the sixties. The meat shown on their website looks industrial, even in the low definition pictures. It looks like, and probably tastes like, a sliced ham from a supermarket deli counter. I haven't been there in years, but I'll bet that (1) they don't actually make their own or (2) if they do make their own, they needn't bother. I assume Snowdon's smoked meat is supplied by the "big" Lester's meat processor, though it is conceivable that it is made to a custom recipe. Centre St Deli in Thornhill, currently the ONLY purveyor of edible smoked meat in the Toronto area (no traditionally cured smoked meat is available anywhere) gets their meat from Lesters, and they are connected to Snowdon. They even sell "Delisnowdon" labeled meats, and I was shocked to learn that Delisnowdon salamis contain "mechanically deboned beef", "beef byproducts", and "milk ingredients". Mon Jan 22 02:51:39 -0800 2007 2023283 23411 embee 1 2026896 Didn't Lester's Meat Products in fact go bankrupt a few years ago?They had opened up a new, larger plant in Lasalle, but were soon hit with a rising CDN$ and US import restrictions. The new Lasalle plant wasn't in usedlast time I drove by and their website gives a Laval location. Seems that it's the same owners, though (surprise, surprise!) Thu Nov 16 16:52:38 -0800 2006 527268 16803 RomanW 2 2027175 Another company along the same lines, that went bankrupt after they moved to a larger plant in Lasalle, was Levitts Kosher Foods. Levitts shut down operations about 2 years ago. Thu Nov 16 18:02:59 -0800 2006 2026896 11610 BLM 3 2027778 Oops! I've confused Levitts with Lester's Meat Products. It was the former that went bankrupt. Thu Nov 16 20:25:18 -0800 2006 2027175 16803 RomanW 2 2027191 I was referring to Lester's Deli in Outremont. They ship their vacuum-sealed packets throughout the U.S. You dip the packet in boiling water for 1 minute and they're ready to go. Thu Nov 16 18:11:01 -0800 2006 2026896 42567 restaurantelite.com 3 2027621 if you want montreal smoked meat, your best bet is to visit montreal - those vacuum packs are vile. Thu Nov 16 19:49:56 -0800 2006 2027191 14181 celfie 3 2028032 I have not tried them personally as I live here, but a US friend did like them when he brought them back. He is no smoked meat expert however. The Lester's owner sais it wasn't the vaccum pack that was the problem it was the bad quality other products started with. I guess if dipping plastic in hot water is good for the "sous-vide" crowd, it must be good enough for smoked meat! :) I would try it, what really do you have to lose? It's not as if you'll find any smoked meat south of 45.... Thu Nov 16 21:27:51 -0800 2006 2027191 13079 ScoobySnacks20 3 2029111 You're talking about their Mr. Smoked Meat product. Lester's mentions this product in their local radio ads, & there's a display of it at their deli in Outremont. Noticed they do offer it at their website in lean, medium or medium-fat versions(that's a good sign). I might even try one of the medium-fat smoked meat packets. Fri Nov 17 04:02:52 -0800 2006 2027191 11610 BLM 1 2028574 Pardon the pun but...Ben's just doesn't cut it. In the downtown area it's Schwartz, hands down. Various Dunn's locations are passable. Close to the western tip of the island (about 30km from downtown) it's Smoke Meat Pete. Abie's on boul. St-Jean in Pointe-Claire gets an honourable mention. Almost anything else is generally edible, but not "real" Montreal smoled meat. Happy chowing! Fri Nov 17 00:22:26 -0800 2006 527268 53731 oldsoftee 2 2028908 In addition, Ben's employees are still on strike(it's about their 5th month?). What about Jarry Smoked Meat(nobody mentions them nowadays)? Are they good(Jarry Smoked Meat has a connection to the family that has long run Dunn's)? Fri Nov 17 02:30:21 -0800 2006 2028574 11610 BLM 3 2124637 Bens' is now closed... owners wouldn't take care of their building and employees... = strike = closed. Sat Dec 23 15:18:03 -0800 2006 2028908 52693 jeffdmtl 4 2125686 Yes I heard(although it might be a ploy by the owners). Last I heard, the striking Ben workers were still planning to picket the restaurant(still no official word(if I remember correctly) they are closed). Sun Dec 24 01:49:59 -0800 2006 2124637 11610 BLM 1 2128266 I know everyone talks about Schwartz's Dunn's etc...But I've tasted so many and the one that stands out for me is "Le Roi du Smoked Meat" on St-Hubert Street corner St-Zotique. Really good and very tender and juicy plus not too expensive. In my top 3 for sure. Tue Dec 26 00:01:47 -0800 2006 527268 61913 Babyface1968 2 2131460 Le Roi du Smoked Meat sells industrial smoked meat. It's by Coorsh and it's terrible. It's so loaded with phosphates that it's like eating jelly. Wed Dec 27 17:42:23 -0800 2006 2128266 18488 SnackHappy 3 2138089 I'll check up on that and get back to you. Fri Dec 29 22:53:49 -0800 2006 2131460 61913 Babyface1968 1 2161884 Have just spoken with friends of mine... they went to Smokemeat Pete's for lunch and said that it might even be the best they've ever had. Including Schwartzs'. Easy in and out... A bit of a line but worth the wait. Both of these guys know the S word quite well and agree Petes' may just be better. Sun Jan 07 14:21:13 -0800 2007 527268 52693 jeffdmtl 2 2209752 I must second this post on Smoke Meat Pete's. A little less moist than Schwartz's but one of the very best each time I've eaten there. They also have music on the weekends, and as Pete closes up his counter he brings around complementary plates of the crisp brisket and rib steak ends from his cutting activities for all the listeners. A real treat! Sat Jan 20 18:59:55 -0800 2007 2161884 67989 Laker115 1 2162020 Quebec City. Brynds. On Maguire. A must. Sun Jan 07 15:41:05 -0800 2007 527268 64852 Pastramiman 1 2181415 At Costco recently, I couldn't resist their Smoked Meat at $6. in the food court. It comes steamed, on a 7 grain bun, with a sour pickle. I added kraut from the condiments wagon. I asked about the source of the meat, and they said Dunn's pre-packaged, and Moishe's pickle from a jar. They said both were for sale in the aisles, and later I picked them up. The sandwich wasn't that great: the meat was brownish, a bit dry, and the bun would have better if there was a rye flavour. The food court atmosphere didn't help, but hey, it's $6, not $18 in Manhattan! The box of Dunn's smoked meat I took home was a lot better. It has six packets, vacuum wrapped, for $15. Sure it's industrial smoked meat, but it is a step up from packaged deli pastrami or corned beef, and way better than Shoppsy's pouches. The meat was juicy, spicy, reddish pink, and slightly smoky. With my own choice of rye, mustard, and kraut on the side, Dunn's made for a fine at home deli sandwich. Fri Jan 12 16:11:15 -0800 2007 527268 56131 jayt90 2 2181939 why not just go to schwartz's, abie's, snowdon deli, lesters, smoked meat petes or even dunn's and buy their smoked meat fresh. Fri Jan 12 17:49:11 -0800 2007 2181415 14181 celfie 3 2182191 It's not an option unless I hop on the Via from Toronto! Fri Jan 12 18:39:11 -0800 2007 2181939 56131 jayt90 4 2209768 Let's not forget The Main. Sat Jan 20 19:07:46 -0800 2007 2182191 23758 Withnail42 1 2223460 Just my two cents: As a former waitress at the Main, I can guarantee you that they smoke their own meat. The smoke room is right upstairs. You can sneak a peek. I am a staunch Main supporter. You can't do better than the Main Special (and yes, I will take that pickle for a nickle). Wed Jan 24 16:47:33 -0800 2007 527268 36116 pouletsecret 2 2226325 Glad you spoke up! I've always enjoyed the Main's product. I fondly remember the times when me and my buddy would share a smoked meat platter and a side order of latkes with sour cream and stagger out of the place pleasantly stoned (in a gastronomical sense). Tender, juicy meat (medium fat), and no waiting to be seated. That they smoke their own comes as no surprise. What does surprise is the short-shrift they get in terms of positive publicity. Oh well, each to his own gout. Since I've been resident in T-dot for too long I must ask if a brisket can be bought for export? How much would it cost? Thu Jan 25 12:21:16 -0800 2007 2223460 42449 mrbozo 3 2226552 Schwartz quoted me $8.95/lb, with a typical brisket weighing about5 lb, plus around $30 for overnight FedEx. I assume the Main would be similar. I've also lived in TO long enough to be reduced to curing my own. The comments I hear most often are that Schwartz briskets are sometimes dry and chewy (which is a natural consequence of the traditional curing method) and that the Main briskets are sometimes pink and bland. I wonder whether the Main may smoke their meat in house after curing it by injection. Pouletsecret, do you know? This is how Katz's in Toronto cures their pastramis before smoking them in house. It falls between the artisinal production at Schwartz and the full out industrial process used by Lesters or Mello. Thu Jan 25 13:08:38 -0800 2007 2226325 23411 embee 4 2230320 Thanks for the pricing embee. Have to smuggle one of those babies back next time I'm in town. The only smoked meat I don't like is bad smoked meat. Other than that, put a heaping sandwich in front of me and I'll happily chow down. Much as I like the Main's meat i must admit that it does have a certain unique colour. How difficult is it to cure your own? Is regular brisket the right cut or should I look for something else? Fri Jan 26 12:04:28 -0800 2007 2226552 42449 mrbozo 5 2231103 It isn't difficult; just time consuming, and you need to have either a cold smoker or a smoker that can maintain a set temperature. Brisket is the correct cut for smoked meat - the double brisket with the fatty top section. A single brisket will be horribly dry. You'll probably need to get it from a Jewish butcher (where it will be very expensive). If you can find one at a mainstream supermarket that's not in a Jewish area, it will be very cheap -- but it isn't likely. You might find one at Costco. For pastrami, the correct cut is called "plate", but Toronto pastrami always uses brisket. (The deli counter stuff made from round isn't worth discussing). The difference between traditionally cured smoked meat and pastrami is in the spicing. They are, otherwise, pretty much the same thing. My personal recipe will give you a strongly spiced pastrami. I don't know the specific spice formula that will give you the Main's Montreal smoked meat, but we're talking things like coriander seeds, fresh garlic, and black peppercorns as the basic flavouring units. If you really want to try this, go to: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=24820&hl=pastrami You'll learn more than you ever wanted to know. Ignore their suggestion to start with a cured corned beef. You want to dry cure the brisket in the fridge for 10 days to 3 weeks (depends on thickness and the spice intensity you want). I smoke pastrami using cedar hamster litter (sounds disgusting, but its clean and pesticide free). For smoked meat, I'd add some maple. Fri Jan 26 14:53:00 -0800 2007 2230320 23411 embee 4 3134840 Sorry! I have no idea. I'd be interested in checking out Katz's and seeing what their pastrami is like... As for the observation of Schwartz vs. Main meat, I can't say that I agree. Everything I've ever eaten at both of those joints has always been pink and juicy (but far from bland!). Maybe I'll put on my detective hat and see what I can find out. Sat Nov 17 18:32:16 -0800 2007 2226552 36116 pouletsecret 3 2270383 Look up "Lesters Deli" ,They'll deliver anywhere in Canada... Give 'em your postal code and you're on your way. http://www.lestersdeli.com/ CHOW Wed Feb 07 16:31:13 -0800 2007 2226325 52693 jeffdmtl 1 2276403 lester's is the most disgusting, underwhelming smoked meat the city has to offer. combine that with surly waitresses, and ridiculous prices, and what you have is a poor excuse for a restaurant resting on the fragile laurels of former years. Fri Feb 09 11:18:48 -0800 2007 527268 71222 eatsies 2 2277853 Oddly enough I had some tasty (albeit not traditionally made) smoked meat from Lester's. Once. That was the time an acquaintance had bought a whole brisket. I've had their in-house sandwiches and must say that most corned beef pleases me more. Fri Feb 09 17:49:04 -0800 2007 2276403 42449 mrbozo 1 2291520 I have found that Schwartz is definetly the best in the city. For those who found it too dry, ask for a "medium-fat" smoked meat sandwich or even order as I do --- "a fatty sandwich" Sure it may clog your arteries but if you want to enjoty it there is no other way. I also tried Smoked Meat Pete's and hated it. I probably just got a bad sandwich, I will definetly try it again as I am full of second chances but my first was all crumbs, hardly any real slices of meat. It was not only dry due to this but also very frustrating to eat. I should have taken it back but was on the 401 by the time I have my mitts on it. The fries were OK. Nothing to write home about but not terrible either. I also tried Reuben's on the corner of St-Catherine and McGill. It was also good. Definetly not the best, but pretty good if you crave a smoked meat while you are shopping downtown. Hope this helps. Wed Feb 14 07:28:09 -0800 2007 527268 74395 MontrealKid 1 2305119 I decided I wanted to make a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner for sunday, My Brother in-law who grewup in point st-charles. told me there's no better place in montreal to get a good brisket theen Quebec Smoked Meat on center street.I had never been there before but it was real easy to find, it's a simple little buthcer / deli , no table it's all take out. as long as I was there I figured with a name like that I had to try a sandwitch on smoked meat on rye............. wow!!!!! If I want a sandwitch and don't mind takeout. this is my new love, but if i'm out on the town and wanna sit to eat I'll stick with schwatz's Sun Feb 18 15:03:43 -0800 2007 527268 75622 WildDon61 2 2427148 Hey WildDon, Do they sell the uncooked brisket there??? I've just purchased a smoker and am chomping at the bit (you might say) to get smokin'!!! Have found tons of recipies and websites for making the brine and some different rubs you might use. And of coarse the different woods to choose from. I just might try a local butcher from the west island and see what I can find. CHOW for now! Tue Mar 27 17:53:23 -0700 2007 2305119 52693 jeffdmtl 1 3088620 Schwartz - for those who complained that it was dry, I'll bet you ordered it lean.I recommend medium or medium fat. If you don't want to eat the fat, just cut it off. The meat left behind is one of the greatest things on this planet. Fri Nov 02 07:01:50 -0700 2007 527268 111333 rbcj 2 3088684 better yet, order chicken ifyou don't want to eat fat Fri Nov 02 07:24:55 -0700 2007 3088620 14181 celfie 2 3088701 I've been told that there's a few kind of smoke meat. The Old fashioned one and the commercial one. I know that schwartz and main steak house serve old fashioned ones. I like the main steakhouse's smoke meat better because, to me, it's less salty than schwartz. Everytime I eat schwartz, I wake up in the middle of the night with a dry mouth and drink a few glasses of water. That's the schwartz effect on me. Fri Nov 02 07:28:19 -0700 2007 3088620 29575 maj54us 3 3130272 You probably just had too much to drink before or after :-) Fri Nov 16 05:53:32 -0800 2007 3088701 13079 ScoobySnacks20 2 3093408 Agreed. It used to be that at Schwartz's, you just asked for a sandwich, but it's only in the past 10 years or so that they've actually been asking people if they want medium or lean. I've always maintained that lean is the "tourist" sandwich, and real Montrealers don't even think twice. Sun Nov 04 06:05:10 -0800 2007 3088620 138034 bomobob 3 3093689 It wouldn't shock me if the vast majority of people who order 'lean' or 'extra lean' smoked meat sandwiches at Schwartz's are Montrealers. Sun Nov 04 09:09:53 -0800 2007 3093408 11610 BLM 4 3093904 Smoked meat is meant to be eaten medium. Anything else is a sin. If you're eating lean, because you're on a diet - well, you're better off losing the bread or the fries or the cherry coke. Sun Nov 04 11:04:32 -0800 2007 3093689 118582 maisonbistro 5 3094220 I never order medium, always medium fat. BTW, it's cherry cola(not cherry coke). Schwartz's hasn't had cherry coke on their menu for about 7-8 years, after Coke stopped selling it in the Quebec market. Sun Nov 04 13:36:46 -0800 2007 3093904 11610 BLM 6 3094273 I stand corrected. But whatever they all are - it's all yummy Sun Nov 04 14:04:03 -0800 2007 3094220 118582 maisonbistro 6 3094616 Actually it's Cott's Black Cherry Soda. Not a cola at all. Sun Nov 04 16:36:59 -0800 2007 3094220 10715 rcianci 7 3094759 Yes I know(actually I had originally typed 'soda', then I edited my post). I wasn't sure what to call Cott's Black Cherry Soda(I edited the post, after consulting Sarah Musgrave's Resto A Go-Go 2007 edition book). In hindsight, I should of automatically known it's not a cola(I drink it all the time, even when not at Schwartz's). Sun Nov 04 17:33:23 -0800 2007 3094616 11610 BLM 8 3095573 Actually, I seem to recall from my childhood in the 60s that the Snowdon Deli - and it could be false memory syndrome - used to concoct their own cherry soda by adding cherry syrup to Coke. Or maybe it was Ben's that did that. Mon Nov 05 06:03:35 -0800 2007 3094759 138034 bomobob 6 3095581 COTT BLACK CHERRY HELLO Mon Nov 05 06:08:35 -0800 2007 3094220 14181 celfie 4 3095579 you underestimate the dietary restrictions of westmount housewives Mon Nov 05 06:08:00 -0800 2007 3093689 14181 celfie 1 3095480 My vote would be for Schwartz's but I wonder if any kosher smoked meat places still exist? Mon Nov 05 04:51:31 -0800 2007 527268 138372 spacesasha 1 3128433 Alright. I'm the 100th response to this everlong question. Hopefully I'll be able to clarify a few things confusing you guys and girls out there. While there is no question in my mind, as a matter of my own personal taste and being a native of Montreal, that Schwartz's is without a doubt, the best most consistant smoked meat house in the city. Smokemeat Pete's is definately a close second. The Main in my opinion is 3rd. Just to clarify something about La Main. Those of you who said, they smoke their own meat are right. Those who have said, they weren't sure if it was smoked on the premises, you are also right. Sometimes their business is too slow to smoke their own meat. Remember, food costs are the bottom line. If you are going through the trouble of smoking 5 briskets, why not smoke a hundred briskets? Very simple. Would you wanna have to throw out 80 of those briskets because they didn't sell? Their smoke room isn't nearly as active as Shwartz's or Smokedmeat Pete's. Sometimes it just doesn't pay to turn the smoker on. Sometimes when they smoke their own meat during busier times they run out. I was told by 2 seperate waitresses that WHEN they do not use their own smoked meat. They use Mello brand. They also purchase briskets from Smokedmeat Pete's. They purchase from both companies as needed. Which explains certain inconsistantsies. The reason that they use those 2 suppliers, is because they don't use the same harsh chemicals as Lester's Meats, or Coorsh. Hence, either a great experience or a not so great experience. Depending on who's brand they serve you at the time. As for all the other names mentioned, They are all second rate compared to the ones I have listed above. The now defunked Ben's, Dunn's and Reuben's(play on Reuben Schwartz's name, the original founder of Schwartz's) All served industrial smoked meat. Thu Nov 15 13:04:16 -0800 2007 527268 143222 mango3333 2 3128539 Very very informative. Smoked Meat Pete smokes their own meat(that's news to me)? Where does Dunn's Famous get their smoked meat? Thu Nov 15 13:26:46 -0800 2007 3128433 11610 BLM 3 3128646 dunn's makes their own now Thu Nov 15 13:50:17 -0800 2007 3128539 14181 celfie 4 3130005 Are you sure? I know that's their party line. Been told privately by one person in the business, at best it's made for them by a commercial smoked meat supplier according to their specs(like what Smoked Meat Pete does), or they're using a commercial product, but hiding this fact. Thu Nov 15 23:38:51 -0800 2007 3128646 11610 BLM 3 3130306 Technically, Pete's does not smoke his own, the ask an artisinal deli in pointe st-charles to do the smoking for them using Pete's (stolen) recipe. Legend has it that Schwartz's recipe was stolen and given to Main and then afterwards young Pete (son of Main owner) went on his own. So in the end, there is but 1 classic Montreal Smoke Meat recipe, but with 3 interpetations. No wonder those 3 places are far and above most anything else out there. Fri Nov 16 06:06:53 -0800 2007 3128539 13079 ScoobySnacks20 4 3131258 I'm aware of which company makes it for Pete(since he started he has used two different smoked meat suppliers). Fri Nov 16 10:34:21 -0800 2007 3130306 11610 BLM 4 3131970 Does Pete's really get their smoked meat from Quebec Smoked Meat on Centre St? I live around the corner from them, and have long told anyone who would listen that this is, indeed, the best smoked meat in the city. Technically, I guess Smoked Meat Pete's is just as good... Fri Nov 16 13:31:51 -0800 2007 3130306 131714 madsci 5 3132874 That was their first supplier. Now they're using a different supplier. Fri Nov 16 18:57:09 -0800 2007 3131970 11610 BLM 2 3128697 Is smoke meat pete in the west island of montreal? Like ile perreault? If so I'm told that it's the main owner's son that runs it. Can someone confirm this info. So if it's the son selling to the father, it's the same recipe for their smoke meat I guess. I never tried amoke meat pete! As for 2 kind of smoke meat at The Main. I'm shocked as I eat there at least twice a month and never saw a difference in my smoke meat sandwich. Thu Nov 15 14:00:05 -0800 2007 3128433 29575 maj54us 3 3130008 Yes Smoked Meat Pete is located in Ile-Perrot(West Island). Yes Smoked Meat Pete is the son of The Main Owner(he's Pete junior). Unless it's changed very very recently, Smoked Meat Pete has never made their own meat(yes, they have considered it). Thu Nov 15 23:42:15 -0800 2007 3128697 11610 BLM 3 4158222 yes it's true... and his other son runs deli bee in valois... the original pete's location, by the mayfair tavern. Pete's is amazing... maybe better than Schwarts'. and you don't have to stand in the rain or cold to get a sandwich. I do believe Pete has someone else smoke to his spec's Sat Nov 08 10:40:11 -0800 2008 3128697 52693 jeffdmtl 4 4159721 Does Deli Bee make their own smoked meat now(that's what they claim, when I went there a month or two ago)? Sun Nov 09 09:08:10 -0800 2008 4158222 11610 BLM 1 3882129 Tourist in town want smoke meat from the schwartz so we go to schwartz. I like the main better it's a salty thing for me. BUT OH MY GOD OH MY GOS OH MY GOD What happened at schwartz? The service sucked big time, they fucked up our order and one of our friends never got his plate so he cancelled his order as he ates his wifes okate since she had to much she said. In the old days I like the waiters being rude and all but they delivered. Smoke meat was the same as usual (to salty for me) and I had the liver steak that waqs to cooked when I asked medium. My choice is still MAIN steak house over SCHWARTZ. Fri Jul 18 17:47:49 -0700 2008 527268 29575 maj54us 2 4158230 there ya go! Sat Nov 08 10:45:13 -0800 2008 3882129 52693 jeffdmtl 1 3882148 Schwartz if I am around the main or Abie's in the West Island. Meat texture is the same but Schwartz is more salty and abit more expensive than Abie's. I love Abie's for it large parking and modern and clean environment. Every place else is overpriced, why settle for second best when the original costs less ? Fri Jul 18 18:02:39 -0700 2008 527268 211093 EdT 2 3905679 I received another review by email today and it's on a joint I never heard off before http://30sr.blogspot.com/2008/07/qubec-smoked-meat.html Can anyone tell me about this place Sun Jul 27 11:39:04 -0700 2008 3882148 29575 maj54us 3 3906096 fedelst1 discusses Quebec Smoked Meat on this thread(near bottom of the thread) http://www.chowhound.com/topics/526634 They have been around a long time. Been there several times for their smoked meat, sometimes for their sausages. Sun Jul 27 15:24:34 -0700 2008 3905679 11610 BLM 1 3926134 I must admit that this long thread has been both educational and entertaining. For what it's worth, I truly believe that Smoke Meat Pete's is well worth the treck... It's never too far when what you get is the best. It is my true number one. Schwartz is a close second, but the service is well... What service? And Finally The Main is a very acceptable third. Think I'll be taking a little drive West this afternoon!!! Sun Aug 03 08:19:40 -0700 2008 527268 180991 uneroserose 2 4158237 Pete's is the one... No super long lines... amazing little venue, Live Tunes! #1 Sat Nov 08 10:48:15 -0800 2008 3926134 52693 jeffdmtl