Montreal Smoked Meat: The Quest For The Best

It was only a matter of time; I did a pizza challenge, I went on a quest for Montreal’s best poutine, but I never set forth to find the best smoked meat that my city could offer.

Montreal smoked meat is something to be proud of; it’s the type of delicacy that someone who isn’t from Montreal is almost always aware of, and must try at least once when they visit. It’s that often moist, succulent spiced beef brisket that if cured properly, could stand up to any pastrami or corned beef sandwich from the world famous delis in New York. The ingredients are simple; smoked meat, mustard, and rye bread. The funny thing is I dislike mustard on its own and usually only use it to cook, however, I absolutely love my smoked meat sandwiches with mustard, and wouldn’t eat one without a good dab because I think it’s absolutely mandatory. No one really knows for sure who started this mouthwatering concoction, but these sandwiches have become so popularized that when people discuss Montreal’s cuisine, smoked meat is almost always mentioned, as its as strongly rooted in our culture as much as poutine and bagels.

Prior to this challenge, it was a long time since I had a smoked meat sandwich. I was eating healthier after the New Year and started to get in shape. Then one day out of nowhere the craving came; I started longing for something fairly unhealthy, fattening, and extremely tasty. I never had a bad sandwich at Smoked Meat Pete’s before, so it was an easy choice.

Mixing deli with blues, Smoked Meat Pete’s is my dream restaurant. They play live blues music weekly and serve the juiciest, most tender smoked meat on freshly baked rye. As usual, my sandwich was unbelievable. There was really nothing that I would want to change, as everything was perfect from the seasoning, to the smooth moist meat that held it. Every bite was sensational, having just the right amount of mustard to promote that to-die-for taste that I was seeking. Alongside the sandwich were above average fries, and respectable cole slaw. All and all it was a perfect meal.

As I sat back and washed everything down with one last final sip of coke, I realized how great the sandwich I had was, and wondered if anyone can really top it? There’s so many places that sell smoked meat in Montreal, and everyone has a place where they say is the best. That made me think of an idea; I was going to test 5 other sandwiches and see if any of them could top or at least match Pete’s. I called up some friends and made a plan.

I let a few days pass to gain another smoked meat craving, which was just enough time to still have the fond memory of Pete’s in my head for comparison. We would be having three different sandwiches in one night, which would not only be tasty but a lot of fun, hopping from one restaurant to another eating smoked meat, fries, and cole slaw. Most people would probably think it would be a crazy thing to do, but I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday night with some good friends. On a last note, every sandwich would be ordered the way I like it, medium-fat.

I heard a lot about Delibee’s, which happens to be owned by the brother of Smoked Meat Pete’s. The owner used to work in his father’s deli, The Main, which is just opposite Schwartz’s, and at the tender age of 14, he learned everything in the restaurant trade. Both brothers used to work together but ended up splitting; Pete went to open Smoked Meat Pete’s, and Phil started Delibee’s. I heard that it was a local favorite, and because I was such a fan of Pete’s I had to try it. The atmosphere was very similar, minus the stage for the live music. Instead, there was a guy jamming on a bass guitar in the kitchen while the radio played blues, which was really cool to see while placing my order. The meat was juicy and moist like Pete’s, but there was a problem; it was lacking taste, as I didn’t really notice much seasoning and neither did my company. It was a bit of a disappointment because I was really excited about this sandwich but there wasn’t a lot of flavour coming from it. The fries however, were excellent and I enjoyed them a lot more than the smoked meat.

Next, we headed to Ettingers, a deli that continues the legacy of Saul Ettinger, who used to own Briskets and was very successful with it, opening 12 franchises all over Montreal and Ottawa and even becoming a staple at Montreal Expos ballgames.

Ettingers prides themselves on their home made smoked meat, claiming that its superior taste comes from it being un-pumped, meaning that the meat isn’t loaded with phosphates and nitrates, a technique that many delis use in processing their smoked meat to make it heavier in an effort to increase profit margins. I have to hand it to Ettinger’s, because their smoked meat is delicious. It had the taste that Delibee’s was missing and was successful on other levels, including the home made mustard that they use on the rye. There is room for improvement however, as I did notice that the meat was quite salty, a bit more saltier than I would have liked but I still enjoyed my sandwich very much. While it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, it was certainly delicious, an outcome that was surprising because the place looks more like Baton Rouge than it does a deli. I was quite impressed with their sandwich and would definitely have it again.

The last place was Schwartz’s, the most famous deli in Montreal, and probably Canada. Over 80 years old, this landmark is what most tourists have on their dining list, and there are lines out the door daily to prove it.

Schwartz’s was just sold for an undisclosed amount to new owners, yet they promised to keep the food and staff the same. I’ve been to Schwartz’s a few times, and it was never my favorite because although the meat was very tasty, it was usually dry. This is something that I’ve also heard from friends and relatives whenever they recently returned from eating there. It was a long time since I’ve been to the super famous deli so I would be going in fresh. The place looked the same, and the sandwich was the same as I remembered it. The first bite was a bit juicy, but then, as usual, it was pretty dry even though I made sure to order medium-fat. Don’t get me wrong, the meat is very good, it just always seems to be dry and that’s not my preference. I know some people enjoy that, but I’m not one of them. I think the hype that revolves around Schwartz’s continues to draw large crowds, but there are far better sandwiches out there, for me at least.

I was quite full after this last sandwich, and knew that it was time to call it a night. The next few days had me feeling a little confused. I went on this really fun smoked meat run, but I wasn’t too impressed with the sandwiches, except maybe for Ettinger’s, but it still couldn’t compete with Pete. I knew right there and then that it was time to add at least a couple more sandwiches to the list.

Everyone knows Lester’s. Not only is it Jackie Mason’s favorite Deli, it’s world famous and has been a local favorite since 1951. When you walk inside, it’s easy to see that Lester’s is just as much as an “institution” as Schwartz’s.

Stepping foot into Lester’s really makes you feel like you’ve been warped back in time. This is the type of place that people have gone to with their parents to eat smoked meat in the 70′s, and 30 years later, they’re bringing their kids to maintain the family tradition. Lester’s smoked meat exceeded my expectations like you wouldn’t believe. This is the type of sandwich you’d request as a last meal if you had to go down that road. The meat was greasy, but it was incredibly tasty, smooth and juicy, becoming the perfect companion to the rye and mustard combination. The fries and cole slaw were both top notch, so I really have to give props to Lester’s for an unbelievable lunch.

***

For the final contender, I chose Snowdon Deli. Established in 1946, Snowdon Deli is known to many as having the finest smoked meat in the city. To some, it might be difficult to choose what to order at this deli, with over 130 menu items to choose from, but I was there for one choice only. I went for their old fashioned smoked meat which I found to be only average although I liked how they put a little more mustard on the bread than the other places I’ve been. I did feel that the meat was lacking; it didn’t have that deep smoky flavour I enjoy, so it tasted like it needed a small boost. Other than that the sandwich was good.

The end result: Delibee’s and Snowdon Deli both seemed like they needed some more seasoning, as it was clear that something was missing from both but a bit less with Snowdon Deli. Ettingers was pretty good but their meat was noticeably saltier than normal. Schwartz’s had that deep smoky flavor which was delicious but their meat was way too dry for my liking. Lester’s… Well Lester’s was simply outstanding. As an added bonus, they also have much less of a wait than Schwartz’s making it more of a desirable place for me to frequent.

Deli Bee’s: 6.0/10

Ettingers: 7.0/10

Schwartz’s: 7.5/10 (although it was dry, the meat was very tasty)

Lester’s: 8.5/10

Snowdon Deli: 6.5/10

Smoked Meat Pete’s: “You can’t beat Pete’s meat.

 

JarredReviews is my personal weblog. The opinions and experiences represent my own. If you read that I didn’t particularly enjoy a meal or restaurant, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Restaurants can have an off day, people make mistakes, we’re all human. My writing is mainly so that you can find out about great restaurants that you may have not heard about, and also to give you an idea of what I enjoyed that you can experience for yourself. Food reviewing is very subjective and you must take this into account and use your discretion when reading any review; If I have had a bad experience somewhere, do not let that stop you to try the restaurant for yourself.

 

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Le Mas Des Oliviers (Montreal, QC)

One of the first things that I usually do when I wake up every morning is routinely check my email. Most of the time I receive offers on restaurants that I’ve either never heard of, or offers that I’ll often find uninteresting, but this past weekend I woke up to an unbelievable surprise; Living Social had a 3 course dinner for two at Le Mas Des Oliviers for 45 dollars. I’ve heard of this famous restaurant for a long time. My girlfriend’s aunt and uncle have been going there for years and always say it’s their favorite restaurant, an opinion I’ve heard from several other people as well. Located on Bishop in downtown Montreal, Le Mas Des Oliviers is known for their impressive take on Southern France cuisine, and they’ve also been serving Montreal steadily for the past 40 years. After noticing several hundred vouchers already been sold, I immediately purchased my own and made a reservation for the following evening.

 

The restaurant could easily fit in along the cote d’azur; it’s got a charming, quaint, homely look to it, in what seems to be the semi-basement section of an old complex. In the vestibule I noticed a picture of the owner and Tony Curtis, one of my favorite actors who in the photo, looked like he just had a great meal. This restaurant has seen its fair share of important people, from big name politicians to writers like Mordechai Richler who apparently was a regular and had his own table.

 

I was immediately warmed by the wonderful ambience. There were clean white walls, pretty paintings, and all of the waiters were dressed in formal attire. We were seated close by the front and given the menu for the special that we purchased.

There was no amuse bouche, instead, a sectional plate with some pickled olives, strips of carrots, and balls of radish.

Having never tried escargots, I was a little reluctant with ordering them as my appetizer. I didn’t know much about eating snails, and it wasn’t something I ever thought about ordering until now. When I told this to my waiter, he strongly recommended that I give it a try. I knew that escargot is one of the most common appetizers in France and was confident that the dish would be fairly represented. I have to say that it was so unbelievable, to the point that it made me disappointed for overlooking this choice on many menus I’ve held in my hands throughout my life, especially the ones in France. The texture was just incredible, not slimy nor rubbery, but slightly chewy. It was the sauce that really shined in this dish, a delightful creamy vegetable curry that wasn’t overpowering, but accented just enough to compliment the escargot’s taste to the point of perfection.

The second choice was a potato leek soup that my girlfriend ordered. As the dish was set down in front of her I was a tad disappointed that there was no cream involved, but when I tasted it, it became apparent that it didn’t need any cream as the soup was quite flavorful without it. The soup’s simplicity is what attracted me; there was nothing fancy about it, yet the taste continued to entice me after each bite. With a dash of pepper, it was quite good.

Then came Le Bar Du Chili, or as you probably are more apt to call it, Chilean sea bass. This one was as good as it gets, honestly. The perfectly cooked fish was topped with some breadcrumbs that roasted quite nicely, giving it that beautiful, slightly crispy texture to each bite, from an incredibly generous portion. There was a great amount of a creamy Vermouth sauce surrounding the plate that married quite well to the flavors of the sea bass, as well as the mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables underneath. This was an absolutely flawless dish.

Equally as impressive was the duo of beef: A generous piece of filet mignon cooked medium (exactly how my girlfriend ordered it), and a hefty amount of braised short rib. The filet mignon was delicately covered in a hearty peppercorn sauce, promoting nice contrasting flavors that somehow did not overwhelm the taste of the beef. Then there’s the short-rib, which was a whole other story. Meltingly tender, the beef was covered in one of the most delicious sauces I’ve ever had to accompany short ribs; it was made from a reduction of port, a Portuguese fortified wine traditionally served as a dessert wine. The reduction was done right, as the sauce amplified the taste of the short rib to the point where every bite put me in a state of bliss.

For dessert we both opted for the profiterole, a dish involving ice cream in a choux pastry, sitting in an abundance of a thick dark chocolate sauce. It was a great finale that really tied the meal together, offering something incredibly sweet to send down a gorgeous dinner.

I really like the regular menu at Le Mas Des Oliviers and find that although it isn’t cheap, it’s reasonably priced, especially for their superb quality of food. I am proud to say that this was one of the best meals that I’ve had in Montreal, and I still can’t believe the deal on Living Social that I obtained, which at first, seemed to good to be true, but it most definitely wasn’t.

 

Le Mas Des Oliviers on Urbanspoon

 

Le Mas Des Oliviers:

 

1216 Bishop Street, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3G 2E2 T:(514) 861-6733

 

http://lemasdesoliviers.ca

 

JarredReviews is my personal weblog. The opinions and experiences represent my own. If you read that I didn’t particularly enjoy a meal or restaurant, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Restaurants can have an off day, people make mistakes, we’re all human. My writing is mainly so that you can find out about great restaurants that you may have not heard about, and also to give you an idea of what I enjoyed that you can experience for yourself. Food reviewing is very subjective and you must take this into account and use your discretion when reading any review; If I have had a bad experience somewhere, do not let that stop you to try the restaurant for yourself.

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Jiro Dreams Of Sushi

 

In the upscale Tokyo district of Ginza the streets are lined with boutiques, department stores and restaurants, all of them belonging to one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Beneath the street level is a certain subway entrance that leads to the cellar of an undescript office building which holds the workplace of an 85 year old man whose widely known as the “world’s greatest sushi chef.”

 

Jiro Dreams Of Sushi is a documentary that showcases Jiro Ono’s extraordinary life and the legacy that he will leave eventually behind. I saw this fascinating film last night at my local cinema and found it to be the most enlightening 89 minutes I could ever imagine.

 

The beginning of the film throws us right into the life of Jiro Ono. We learn how much of an impact he’s made in this world, not only being the first sushi chef to obtain three Michelin stars, but having respectable chefs like Anthony Bourdin coming out of his restaurant saying that he really is the world’s greatest sushi chef. Jiro isn’t the only one who’s responsible for the food; his eldest son Yoshikazu who is over 50 years old has been working alongside Jiro for decades and according to Japanese tradition he’s the one who will takeover. Yoshikazu faces an enormous struggle living up to his father’s standards and having to one day fill his shoes. What is promising about Yoshikazu is how intensely his father worked him through a rigorous training that Jiro says was harder than any other apprentice’s because Yoshikazu is his kin. Towards the end of the documentary Jiro admits that 95% of the work in the restaurant is attributed to Yoshikazu and his apprentices, while Jiro mainly ties everything together and puts on the final touches. He believes his son is ready to take over when he retires or when, as they say in the documentary, “the inevitable happens.” Yoshikazu seems more than capable, with little to prove, as he’s had the fortune of learning from the best for so many years.

 

One of the most enjoyable moments of the film was having the ability to take a peak into the Japanese fish market, where Yoshikazu has been going for the past decade, filling in for Jiro due to a heart attack that he suffered rendering him unfit to do frequent runs like he had done before. They show large rooms the size of warehouses that hold what seem to be dozens of species of fish. We get a glimpse of the way in which buyers and sellers interact as well as the auction process, all of which are quite fascinating. The importance of using only the best fish is highly emphasized, hinting the fact that the unbeatable taste that Jiro attains is partly due to the fish that they use, which appears to be some of the finest in the sea. We see the close relationship between Jiro and the fishmongers, and the importance of their connection. The film studies everyone involved in Jiro’s process,  including the man who sells him rice, which they say is unlike any other rice used in sushi restaurants. Through a meticulous process of preparation that involves impeccable timing, Jiro and his staff achieve what seems to be the creation of some of the most delicious sushi that can be placed on a dish.

 

One of the film’s most endearing moments is when Jiro speaks of his upbringing in post-war Japan, explaining how he was kicked out of his home at the tender age of 9 without the possibility of returning which meant that he had to succeed. He explains that a lot of chefs who don’t succeed were always able to go back home. Before becoming an adolescent, Jiro started training in restaurants, and he’s been working almost every day since. He doesn’t seem to be slowing down, explaining that he lives for the routine of waking up and doing the same thing every day. What also drives him is the longing to reach perfection, something that he feels he hasn’t yet attained. Jiro explains that he actually has dreams of sushi, and making things that he never thought existed, hence the title of the documentary.

 

On the surface, the documentary is a close look at the art of sushi and what happens when you combine skill and creativity through years of experience and hard work. This wonderful display is illustrated through gorgeous depictions of food, but beyond the surface, there is a much greater theme, and it revolves around Japanese culture and its demands based on tradition, along with the effects that it has on Jiro and his family, all penetrated through a unique character study that is not only engaging, but informative, and most of all fascinating.

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Jane (Montreal, QC)

Jane is almost hidden, with a roughly non-descript exterior except for a small window and black awning, it’s almost easy to miss the cozy, candle-lit restaurant when driving by. Although the restaurant seems low-key, it has been thriving enough to stand tall against the Joe Beef trifecta as it is now one of the most popular restaurants on the Notre-Dame strip.

I found the ambience really enjoyable, especially the music, a compilation of some of classic rock’s greatest hits. With a seating capacity of around 30, Jane fills up quite quickly so making a reservation on weekends is recommended. There was only one waiter working the tables, and he was exceptional. Very patient and happy to explain anything on the menu, he also brought out the food with impeccable timing. The intriguing part of the restaurant lies within the menu; an extremely creative slew of unique dishes especially the pizza toppings, which include mac and cheese, smoked meat, and braised short ribs. Unfortunately the menu is located at the end of the room and hard to see from certain tables, prompting you to get up and take a closer look.

 

First to come out was the Panzanella Salad, a rustic Tuscany inspired dish that was once based on onions. Jane modifies the dish with an inspiring combination of croutons soaked in a porcini marinade, a delicious taste to accompany a chewier instead of crunchy texture. The flavor marries well to the red wine vinegar dressing, which is greatly distributed over an abundance of fresh arugula and tomatoes. Lastly the salad is topped with some grated Romano cheese, giving it a unique taste of several enticing flavors that hold up really well against each other. The Panzanella is one of their latest salads and it comes highly recommended.

I had to order Mom’s Meatballs, a dish I’ve seen mentioned in most of Jane’s reviews. The meatballs are exactly what they’re called; if you had an Italian mother, these would most probably be similar to her recipe. Covered in a wonderful fresh home made traditional Italian tomato sauce, the meatballs were delicious. They weren’t meltingly tender, but each bite had a wonderful fulfilling taste. The fact that they’re made with bacon makes them even more desirable. The last touch is grated cheese, which pulls everything together. I didn’t care for the grilled bread and pesto, because it tasted quite burnt, but that didn’t matter because we had tons of food coming and I didn’t want to fill up on bread anyways.

Jane’s indulgent mac n cheese is a wonderful dish to order as an appetizer. It’s made with a deeply rich cheddar and topped with fried breadcrumbs and chives. It’s really easy for a restaurant to mess up a mac n cheese dish, therefore I’m normally skeptical about ordering it when I eat out, but this one definitely pleased me. I really loved the texture from the breadcrumbs that provided a beautiful crispy crunch to each bite that seemed to be a great alternative to browning the top.

What was even better than the mac n cheese, and personally my favorite of the night was the sweet potato gnocchi. I will start off by saying that this dish should be award winning, and it also kept everyone at the table mostly silent during the course of it. The gnocchi is made with the perfect amount of sweet potato giving it a slightly sweet taste. But what really strikes is the melt in your mouth texture due to the presence of ricotta. The gnocchi couldn’t have been complimented with a better choice of sauce; tomato cream pesto. A brilliant combination executed flawlessly and one of the best dishes I’ve had this year.

It was time to try what the restaurant is known for, their pizza. Instead of ordering what I’ve read about, I wanted to try their latest effort, The Ribza, a dish that’s been on the menu for the past two weeks. This pizza features braised short rib, portabella mushrooms, cheese, and instead of tomato based, the sauce comes from the short rib gravy and made with jalepenos, forming a creamy artery clogging sauce that could probably have you fall asleep at the wheel during the drive on the way home. The pizza dough is out of this world and it really stands out. The recipe is based on Montreal’s bagels by adding a slight sweetness to the crust with infusing honey. The dough really makes it an unbelievably delicious base to the toppings. The pizza is also oval shaped, so you not only get conventional triangular slices but squares as well. The only thing that I didn’t care for was the presence of short rib. For me personally, I could have done without it. The short rib itself tasted great, but it was its texture that I didn’t want in my bites so I ended up picking it off and then it was exactly what I wanted. Taking off the short rib was just my preference, and so I will say that I think most people will adore it the way it comes. Either way the pizza was grand.

I always say that you can tell if a restaurant has good pizza based on a good old-fashioned regular cheese pizza. The Rosa is covered generously with a delicious mix of cheese, the perfect amount of tomato sauce, and a nice drizzle of pesto. Because the sauce and toppings weren’t as strong as the Ribza, the taste of the dough was even more accentuated which I was happy to experience. The sauce and cheese were fantastic, and the pesto was mouthwatering.

There’s really no way that Jane won’t succeed. Both comfortable and fun to visit, the place is considered a gem amongst the myriad of average and sub-par pizza places that Montreal is populated with, which is why Jane is sure to draw many to Little Burgandy. The menu changes throughout the year, but the quality seems to stay the same, and that will go a long way.

 

Restaurant Jane on Urbanspoon

 

Jane

1744 Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC, Canada H3J 1M3 T: (514) 759-6498

 

 

JarredReviews is my personal weblog. The opinions and experiences represent my own. If you read that I didn’t particularly enjoy a meal or restaurant, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Restaurants can have an off day, people make mistakes, we’re all human. My writing is mainly so that you can find out about great restaurants that you may have not heard about, and also to give you an idea of what I enjoyed that you can experience for yourself. Food reviewing is very subjective and you must take this into account and use your discretion when reading any review; If I have had a bad experience somewhere, do not let that stop you to try the restaurant for yourself.

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Deville Dinerbar (Montreal, QC

A lot has happened over the last few months in Montreal’s food scene: one of the world’s most famous chefs attached his name to our oldest rotisserie restaurant, we got our first introduction to street food with Grumman78’s taco truck, Joe Beef took a prestigious award for their newly published cookbook based on recipes from their famous Montreal restaurant, and now we modernized the classic ‘diner’ with Deville Dinerbar.

 

To say that this is our first diner would be a false statement. Montreal does have several diners that already existed long before Deville. The one that tries the hardest is Jukebox Burgers, a West Island burger joint that prides themselves on the iconic music player that played three quarters of the records produced in America during one of the most recognizable eras in music history. Their burgers attach the names of the most prominent personalities from the 50’s and 60’s and although I don’t consider it an authentic diner, their atmosphere is what continues to draw people to the restaurant. Then there’s other places such as Chez Claudette, or Moe’s Diner, a cozy little downstairs diner that’s open all night and is also a second home to college students in the surrounding area.

 

Now you may wonder, since Montreal does have its share of diners, why is there such a big buzz around Deville? It all started with its construction. My girlfriend, who works near the area informed me that a new restaurant was opening, and that they installed a small peephole in the glass exterior so people could see into the restaurant. They were greeted with a screen that contained information about the restaurant and its food, a nice touch that had many curious people stop to see what it was all about. While a part of Deville’s concept is a throwback to the 1950’s, the real idea is to be able to fantasize an old diner’s transformation into present times, a 21st century makeover redefining the classic diner into something new and refreshing, yet still having the ability to allure people to a truly beloved and nostalgic era. While they do feature a jukebox, they allow you to download an app on your iPhone specifically designed for Deville and choose the music that’s played in the restaurant – a pretty neat idea that is sure to impress a crowd. Equally as impressive is the pink neon lights that permeate the interior, creating a theme that goes as far as influencing the tablemats. The décor is very stylish, with chandelier inspired lights and semi circular black and white booths that give it a nice edge and make it a comfortable place to enjoy the food.

The side order that interested me the most was the Jalapeño cornbread, which is served in a cast iron skillet and features a side of thyme butter. I adored the cornbread, which had pieces of corn inside, as well as Jalapeños. The cornbread was slightly burned on the exterior in some places, but it didn’t really affect the taste. I was actually told that they serve it that way, a response from our waitress that was rather surprising, but acceptable because it was really tasty. One thing I would have wanted was some more of a kick from the Jalapeño, as I found that there wasn’t a lot added, so a bit more would have made it even more pleasurable than it already was but the thyme butter made up for it.

For my main I chose the bacon-weaved meatloaf, which sounded like one hell of a dish; veal, pork and beef stuffed with Quebec aged cheddar and wrapped in bacon and roasted in the oven. The meatloaf was outstanding, and one of the best I ever had. The savory moist home style loaf was incredibly tender as it was roasted perfectly, and had such fulfilling tastes not only from within, but from the side wrapping of bacon which was the ultimate completion, making it slightly saltier but richer than ever. As if it couldn’t get better, it was topped with an insanely delicious truffled mushroom ragu, which enhanced the flavor of the meatloaf even more. The mashed potatoes were fabulous, and truly the best accompaniment I could think of. There was a piece of baby bok choy, a baby carrot, and a piece of asparagus thrown in there as well. The only thing that I think could improve this dish would be to add a little more vegetables, perhaps a couple more carrots and another piece of asparagus would have been appreciated because after all, you are paying over twenty dollars for meatloaf at a diner. Other than that, the dish was flawless and worth every penny.

It was rather difficult saving room for dessert after such hearty choices for lunch, but when beignets are involved, it’s far too difficult for me to pass on them. The iconic sweet of New Orleans is deep fried dough covered with powdered sugar which Deville does justice, serving them with a delicious warm caramel praline, and instead of powdered sugar an incredible icing that was to die for. If that’s not enough, there was another chocolate sauce to dip them in, which was like a thick chocolate mousse and apparently made with bourbon. Lastly, the presentation is memorable, like Jérôme Ferrer’s restaurant Europea, they also serve their sweets in a chinese style take out box, ensuring that you leave with a smile on your face.

Located on Stanley street in a very popular and upscale area, Deville Dinerbar is a wonderful addition to downtown Montreal. Good food, great service, all in a funky diner. I think Deville has a bright future in this city and will prosper in time to come. While the prices might not be so friendly for lunch, one must take in account that with a 21st century diner, they’re going to be charging 21st century prices, but don’t let that scare you because it’s well worth it. Besides, you can always go for dinner.

Deville Dinerbar on Urbanspoon

 

Deville Dinerbar

1425 Stanley St, Montreal, QC, Canada H3B 5K2 T: 514-281-6556

http://www.devilledinerbar.com

 

JarredReviews is my personal weblog. The opinions and experiences represent my own. If you read that I didn’t particularly enjoy a meal or restaurant, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Restaurants can have an off day, people make mistakes, we’re all human. My writing is mainly so that you can find out about great restaurants that you may have not heard about, and also to give you an idea of what I enjoyed that you can experience for yourself. Food reviewing is very subjective and you must take this into account and use your discretion when reading any review; If I have had a bad experience somewhere, do not let that stop you to try the restaurant for yourself.

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Shish-Kebab (Montreal, QC)

If you were following my blog back in June, you’ll remember that I made a top 100 list of restaurant dishes and things to try all over the world. On the list was the french fries from Shish-Kebab, which in my opinion are the best fries you can find in Montreal. Before I get into talking about them, let me introduce the restaurant and its other dishes, which are just as enjoyable.

 

Shish-Kebab is a family owned restaurant located on L’acadie and is less than 100 feet from Amir, a well known fast food cafeteria style Lebanese chain all over Montreal. With Shish-Kebab, you might wait a little more than you will at Amir, but the food is around the same price, and in my opinion, much better quality.

 

If you’re in the mood for salad, then have their fattoush (crumbled bread in Arabic), a dish that combines several herbs and spices like Sumac to give it a sour but refreshing bite that emphasizes the taste of citrus. The salad is completed with oil and parsley over thickly cut vegetables and crunchy pieces of fried pita. The thing I love about this salad is that the parsley isn’t dominating, which I find is the case in most fattoush salads I have eaten in the city.

Their chicken kabob is outstanding, and some of the juiciest you’ll ever remember tasting. They’ve mastered how to marinade and grill chicken, as I have eaten at Shish-Kebab over a dozen times and their chicken is always a hit. The platter comes with pita that holds what you may call their version of bruschetta except it is served hot. There’s also a kebab with vegetables that are a bit burnt, but their hummus and garlic sauce does more than make up for it, as they are both fantastic pairings to the robust flavours of the chicken.

I usually order a plate of rice that always comes well oiled, and includes peas and carrots; a perfect ensemble to my lunch.

Then there’s those fries, french fries that will make your mouth water and diet suffer, as you are guaranteed to finish the plate every time. Their fries are thickly cut, have their potato skins included, and hold a nice taste of peanut oil which makes them ridiculously good to the point of being award worthy.

I enjoy myself every time I visit Shish-Kebab. The atmosphere is quite nice with an impressive interior that includes a friendly mural and a column piece on the wall that will make you feel like you’re in Beirut. I am surprised that there aren’t any reviews about this place, and at the same time, I am honored to be the first.

Shish-Kebab on Urbanspoon

Shish-Kebab:

9394 Boulevard de l’Acadie, Montreal, QC H4N 3H1 T: (514) 858-6222

JarredReviews is my personal weblog. The opinions and experiences represent my own. If you read that I didn’t particularly enjoy a meal or restaurant, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Restaurants can have an off day, people make mistakes, we’re all human. My writing is mainly so that you can find out about great restaurants that you may have not heard about, and also to give you an idea of what I enjoyed that you can experience for yourself. Food reviewing is very subjective and you must take this into account and use your discretion when reading any review; If I have had a bad experience somewhere, do not let that stop you to try the restaurant for yourself.

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Restaurant Malhi (Montreal, QC)

Malhi not only gets my respect for being one of the most consistent restaurants that I eat at regularly in Montreal, but it’s also the place where Catherine Deneuve chose to celebrate her birthday when she visited, and you can see a photo of her and the owner in the entrance, which is pretty cool if you’re a fan of Mme. Belle De Jour.

I was first introduced to this restaurant by a co-worker of mine, who brought our office a variety from Malhi’s incredible Punjab cuisine for Christmas. The meal was sublime; everything was consistently good, from their unforgettable saag paneer to the vegetable biryani. It didn’t take long for me to visit their location.

The interior of the small restaurant isn’t close to being fancy or upscale, but it does have a decent basic Indian style that is quite welcoming and heartwarming on a cold winter evening. The other great thing about Malhi is that you’ll find plenty of Indians dining among you, which is an indication that the restaurant has good food.

 

I started with an order of Malhi special rolls, and what a great way to start indeed. The rolls include a wonderfully crispy crunchy exterior, they’re light, and they are each packed with potatoes and a whole lot of flavor.

Then came the Dal, which was the only weak point of the meal. The soup didn’t really taste like anything so I ended up stealing bites of my friend’s Muligawtany, and that was delicious. I truly believe that it must have been a bad batch, because everything else was spot on.

If you’re on a budget, you should definitely go for the thali; a sectional plate usually combining vegetables, meat and salad. The non-vegetarian thali is outstanding; you receive a choice of succulent large chunks of lamb/beef or chicken in a tasty curry, accompanied by dal (lentils) and chana (chickpeas) along with some salad and a piece of naan. Everything on the thali tastes wonderful, and the curry is most memorable.

If you aren’t on a budget, then I highly recommend that you order the following dishes: chicken tikka, vegetable byriani, and their one of a kind aloo gobi. The chicken tikka is tender, juicy, and has a buttery texture amidst a heavy seasoning. The rice is filled with an addictive flavor and will make it difficult to want to share with someone, similar to the aloo gobi, a potato-cauliflower mix that they load with a wonderful blend of spices, making it one of the most enticing dishes at Malhi.

The chefs at Mahli cook with rare brilliance. Their deeply flavorful food makes them a gem amongst all the Indian restaurants in their vicinity. The service is fast, so the food always comes out hot. Because they maintain a great consistency, I have to say this is the place to frequent when you want to be sure you’re going to get a beautiful Indian meal in Montreal.

Malhi Sweets Indian Cuisine on Urbanspoon

 

 

Restaurant Malhi:

880 Jarry Ouest, Montreal, QC H3N 1G9 T:(514) 273-0407

http://www.malhisweets.ca/

 

 

JarredReviews is my personal weblog. The opinions and experiences represent my own. If you read that I didn’t particularly enjoy a meal or restaurant, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Restaurants can have an off day, people make mistakes, we’re all human. My writing is mainly so that you can find out about great restaurants that you may have not heard about, and also to give you an idea of what I enjoyed that you can experience for yourself. Food reviewing is very subjective and you must take this into account and use your discretion when reading any review; If I have had a bad experience somewhere, do not let that stop you to try the restaurant yourself.

 

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Olive & Gourmando (Montreal, QC)

Some call it a bakery, as all their bread is baked fresh in-house, while others call it a cafe, but whatever you want to call it, the food can easily make Olive & Gourmando a morning or weekend ritual in Montreal’s picturesque Old Port neighborhood.

There is normally a decent line that sometimes extends outside, and once you make it in, you’ll probably glance towards your left where they offer a large variety of their products including spicy nuts, homemade granola, jams and tea.

Stepping further inside, it sort of gives you the feeling of a cafe in the French Riviera, minus the gorgeous view of the Mediterranean. The Rembrandt red walls and old wooden tables add to the funky decor in this lively atmosphere.

They have an interesting ordering process; the hostess directs you to your seat, and then you order from a counter. Their offerings are all written on a wall above your head. You have a choice of cold sandwiches or hot paninis, and their ingredients are listed. Some of the combinations are very unique, like the smoked trout sandwich which has herbed cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes and most people rave about it. They also do a daily soup along with daily plates, and have several breakfast items as well.

 

As I went to place my order, I caught a display of mushrooms and root vegetables that was truly intriguing because they had a mushroom mac and cheese. Being a huge mushroom fan, I had to order it. There’s four cheeses and among them are Havarti and Provolone melted and fused together over several types of mushrooms, caramelized onions and some truffle tapenade. Tapenade is a spread consisting of mushrooms, black olives, truffles, capers, anchovies, and extra virgin olive oil. Say no more. It came out in a skillet sitting on a wooden cutting board served with salad that had a honey mustard dressing and some grated almonds on top. The mac and cheese was simply incredible. The potent sharp and extravagant mixture of cheeses combined with the mushrooms delivered a heavenly one-of-a-kind taste. There was the perfect amount of black truffle involved, which was nice because I had several dishes that were overloaded with truffles and it ruins the dish, but here they really knew what they were doing. The salad wasn’t incredible but it was simple and good enough for what it was.

I tried to save some room to try what my girlfriend ordered; The Gustavo. In a freshly baked panini sat grain fed chicken, some tasty grilled red onions, balsamic marinated Portobello mushrooms, Havarti cheese, and a maple Dijonnaisse sauce. We both thought it was excellent. The Portobello mushrooms were rich in taste, as was the chicken, and everything mixed very well together. Unfortunately they sell out of some of their sandwiches, so if you get there after lunch you may not be able to choose from all the varieties.

Even tastier than The Gustavo is The Cubain, a hot panini featuring ham, braised pork, and a homemade mayonnaise (with chipotle peppers, pickles, coriander and lime), and gruyere cheese. Of course I asked for mine without pickles and coriander because I’m not a fan of either, and the panini was one of the best i’ve ever had, it really packs a powerful punch to your taste buds.

We couldn’t leave without trying some baked goodies, so we ordered the Palmier and the Extraordinary Brownie and took them to go. The Palmier was definitely the best one I have ever tried. They glaze it with their own homemade vanilla sugar, which is a combination of cane sugar and Tahitian vanilla beans. The puff pastry is fine in texture and very crunchy, and with the combined sugar and vanilla beans you’ll experience a sensational and original taste that becomes truly addictive.

I know people rave about the brownie and don’t get me wrong the texture is extraordinary, but it didn’t do it for me. It was too light and not dense enough, a combination that unfortunately wasn’t satisfying. I did love the touch of espresso inside, but I think they should use a different chocolate other than Valhrona, as the high grade luxury chocolate would probably be better suited for truffles.

I have been a happy customer for quite some time, and wish I would have known about this place years ago, as they have been open for more than a decade. If you’re looking for a top-tier lunch, then Olive and Gourmando is the way to go. Just know that they are closed on Sundays and Mondays, and after 6pm every day.

Olive Et Gourmando on Urbanspoon

 

351 St. Paul Ouest, Montreal, QC, H2Y 2A7 T: (514) 350-1083

http://www.oliveetgourmando.com

 

JarredReviews is my personal weblog. The opinions and experiences represent my own. If you read that I didn’t particularly enjoy a meal or restaurant, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Restaurants can have an off day, people make mistakes, we’re all human. My writing is mainly so that you can find out about great restaurants that you may have not heard about, and also to give you an idea of what I enjoyed that you can experience for yourself. Food reviewing is very subjective and you must take this into account and use your discretion when reading any review; If I have had a bad experience somewhere, do not let that stop you to try the restaurant yourself.

 

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Madre (Montreal, QC)

While browsing through my Zagat guide I noticed an almost perfect score for a Latin fusion restaurant called Raza on Laurier St. After doing some research, I found out that the head chef Mario Navarrete Jr. was born in Peru, came to Montreal in the early nineties and graduated from a respectable culinary school to work in top Montreal restaurants before opening his own establishments: Raza, Madre, and A Table. Because of the culture diversity in Latin America along with its rich cuisine, there are so many different types of cooking styles and preparations that vary from nation to nation, so chefs have an incredible opportunity to invent something new and inspiring from the old roots, now known as Nuevo Latino Cuisine.

 

If you’re in the mood for eggs over easy, bacon, and home fries, then Madre isn’t your place as this isn’t your run of the mill American style breakfast. This Sunday only brunch spot features fancy dishes such as hanger steak in smoked chilli with patatas bravas, or sweet potatoe French toast with carmelized bananas, and everything is served with masterful presentation. The restaurant is very small and seats about 20-30 people in a café style with a very modern setting. The kitchen is open concept, allowing guests to watch the mainstays of the food service industry hard at work.

 

One of the first things I noticed was how exceptional our waitress was, she was very pleasant, knew the menu inside out and she really just knew how to handle the tables at this restaurant; the service was perfect.

 

Breakfast begins with Madre’s signature home made sweet potato bread rolls, some whipped butter and a side of a very sweet compote. The rolls were warm, soft, and easily torn apart. While they were a bit sweet, there wasn’t really any hint of sweet potato to my senses, but nonetheless they were fantastic rolls to start the meal.

Then came what I put on my top 100 list; Poached Eggs & Chorizo Bubbles with Carmelized Onions, served on toasted bread. The dish featured generous amount of chorizo (some of the tastiest slices I’ve ever had) along with chorizo bubbles, covering a good amount my meal. The bubbles had a really nice taste of chorizo that seemed to just enhance whatever it touched, especially the perfect poached eggs. Presentation wise, the only thing that kept this dish from being flawless was the outer layer of the toast that looked burnt, but I was thankful that it didn’t taste bad it was just blackened from the searing. There was a side of green beans & carrots, that were not really needed to accompany this dish, but it made everything more colorful, as did the chopped tomatoes and onion.

I also ordered a side of home fries, and Madre’s version was no less innovative than my poached egg dish; slices of roasted sweet potatoes met with a thick and tasty garlicky aioli and garnished with snow peas for added crunch to an already very smooth texture.  The home fries were delicious, they had a very rich bright taste, and the aioli made it very filling. Unfortunately they took this side off the menu for reasons I am not sure of, but it was great while it lasted.

The Sweet Potato French Toast was too good to pass up, so that became my girlfriend’s order. The toast was swimming in syrup that was made from fresh cane sugar, a brilliant replacement for commercial fructose-based sugar syrups found at most breakfast places. The toast was flawlessly fluffy, sweet, and with caramelized banana, it was nothing short of amazing. Then there was dark chocolate poured from top to bottom like a champagne fountain, only it was much tastier than champagne. The French toast had a side of fresh fruits, and it was a much better choice instead of vegetables. The gluttonous dish was marvelous, a sure pleaser.

I am quite excited to try dinner at Madre, assuming that it be as good as their Sunday brunch. Madre offers something different from everything else in the city, which is why the restaurant is sought out by so many people because we all want to try something new and intriguing and Madre offers exactly that.

Madre on Urbanspoon

 

 

Madre:

2931 Rue Masson, Montreal, QC, Canada, H1Y 1X5

http://www.groupemnjr.com


 

JarredReviews is my personal weblog. The opinions and experiences represent my own. If you read that I didn’t particularly enjoy a meal or restaurant, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Restaurants can have an off day, people make mistakes, we’re all human. My writing is mainly so that you can find out about great restaurants that you may have not heard about, and also to give you an idea of what I enjoyed that you can experience for yourself. Food reviewing is very subjective and you must take this into account and use your discretion when reading any review; If I have had a bad experience somewhere, do not let that stop you to try the restaurant yourself.

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Déjeuner Cosmopolitain (Montreal, QC)

To drive out to the West Island for breakfast, or not to drive out to the West Island for breakfast, that is the question… Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind eating at your close-by neighbourhood breakfast spot, or take arms against a gruelling twenty minute drive on an empty stomach and enjoy a feast worth traveling for.

 

Dejuner Cosmopolitan is a wonderful breakfast and lunch spot that is usually packed during the weekends as this restaurant is very popular with the West Island breakfast crowd. They not only have great food, but friendly and efficient service. There are two locations, one in Pointe Claire and the other in Laval, the latter being less populated, so head there if you don’t want to wait up to fourty five minutes for a table.

 

Cosmopolitan has quite the extensive menu; they have almost every breakfast item you can order, as well as tons of choices for lunch and their plates and portions are also enormous. There are plenty of choices for the health conscious, so you don’t have to spend the rest of the weekend burning off what you just put your body through. The other beautiful thing is that coffee’s included, and you can get a glass of orange juice if you order from a certain part of the menu.

 

I had a craving for eggs benedict during my first visit, and I was lucky because there was a large variety to choose from. I ordered the smoked salmon version, which was devilishly tasty. The overflowing hollandaise sauce was soft and buttery, and had a very nice taste although the eggs were swimming in enough of it to change your heart rhythm and give you the sweats. The smooth mashed potatoes were quite good, they held a pleasurable taste of onion and came out nice and hot. The portion was rather on the small side, but considering how rich the benedict plate was, there were no complaints. There’s also a side of fresh fruits, instilling some sort of nutrition in this dish. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

Then there was the blueberry pancake, which I got on the side and it came with fruits on top. The pancake was enjoyable, although it was nothing out of the ordinary. Still I was glad to be able to interject some sweet syrupy carbohydrate-rich bites of hotcake in between the eggs benedict.

On my second visit I went for the French toast, served with an abundance of fresh fruit, and English cream. While eating the dish, the thought of how many hours of exercise it would take to burn off the calories was crossing my mind. At this point, there was no turning back, I went for the gold. I ended up finishing that entire gob of cream, which made the toast even more enjoyable.

I ordered a side of their mashed potatoes, but unfortunately they went too heavy on the onions as the taste was overwhelming; it dominated every bite making them not the same potatoes I was fond of during my previous visit.

On a side note, my girlfriend is crazy about their grilled cheese sandwich, a dish she’s been ordering every time we visit.

I definitely enjoy Dejuner Cosmopolitan. I don’t think the eggs benedict and French toast were out of this world, but they were both big plates of quality food that will keep me coming back for more.

Dejeuner Cosmopolitain on Urbanspoon

 

 

Déjeuner Cosmopolitain:

 

 

983 Boulevard Saint Jean, Pointe-Claire, QC, Canada  T:(514) 697-8529

 

 

JarredReviews is my personal weblog. The opinions and experiences represent my own. If you read that I didn’t particularly enjoy a meal or restaurant, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Restaurants can have an off day, people make mistakes, we’re all human. My writing is mainly so that you can find out about great restaurants that you may have not heard about, and also to give you an idea of what I enjoyed that you can experience for yourself. Food reviewing is very subjective and you must take this into account and use your discretion when reading any review; If I have had a bad experience somewhere, do not let that stop you to try the restaurant for yourself.


 

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