With a few major players in the smoked meat game, people who pledge alliance to a particular restaurant will argue and fight without shame with anyone who opposes their discerning palate. One of these institutions is without a doubt, Schwartz’s Hebrew Delicatessen. This landmark on Saint-Laurent Boulevard has been slicing up smoke meat and satiating Montrealer’s smoked brisket void since 1928. This deli boasts a 10-day brine to their meat, which in tandem to their spice mix, produces the signature taste exclusive to Schwartz’s. The meat is then smoked, chilled, and then placed in a steamer ready to be served.

You can order your meat on a scale of “lean” to “fat”, and locals usually order “medium-fat”; the sweet-spot at which die-hard smoked meat aficionados swear the stars align and magic happens. Sliced from the middle of the brisket where the meat is covered by the fat-cap, it yields thicker and juicier slices – medium-fat is where it’s at.

The classic smoked meat sandwich is piled high, served on fresh rye bread with a schmear of straight up yellow mustard.  The clicking of the precision chef’s knife bouncing off the carving fork, slicing meat to order is as intoxicating as the whiffs of steam rising from your sandwich licking off the tart hints of mustard.

Directly across the street from Schwartz’s is another and just as famous Montreal landmark, The Main Steakhouse. With a smoked meat recipe of their own and equally as secretive preparation technique, the ongoing claim for bragging rights on the strip has remained friendly and neighborly for the past 40 years. Montreal’s smoked meat alliances run far and run deep, and many schools have been forged through generations of conditioning and consumption.

Another Montreal smoked meat institution is Lester’s Deli in the Outremont neighborhood. Still family owned and run (for over 60 years!), their spot highlights a great terrace in the summer and fun and kitschy artifacts that line the walls of the restaurant that rival the china cabinet of any bubbi.

Wherever you get your fix, a trip to Montreal isn’t complete without stuffing your face with our famous smoked meat.  You can try to order your sandwich with mayo if you’re brave enough to face the glares of locals, but what ever you do, don’t call it pastrami.

The post MONTREAL SMOKED MEAT: SCHWARTZ’S, LESTER’S AND THE MAIN appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Are you a fashion enthusiast, a foodie, a culture aficionado, or just looking for some quality time with your family? We plan getaways and gifts for everyone! A whole weekend of fashion and well-being are waiting for you. You can look forward to world class restaurants, Bota Bota, the first floating spa in the Old Port, or shopping for shoes at Aldo, the best spot for a fashion-forward getaway. Want to treat yourself? Join now!

The week of October 15to 21is dedicated to gastronomy in Montreal. Friends and lovers, it’s your turn to enter to win a trip for two to feast on delicious dishes created by our local chefs. Included in this prize in also a gift certificate from MTL à Table!

From October 22to 28, we’ll celebrate family life. Take the time to meet up with friends and discover the cultural wonders of Montreal with your children at the Biodome, the Botanical Gardens, and Insectarium. Then indulge in a sandwich at the famous Schwartz’s and many other surprises!

Finally, from October 29to November 4find yourself in the heart of Montreal’s culture, shows, exhibitions and museums with the help of La Vitrine. After soaking up some culture, go to one of Montreal’s finest restaurants where you can discuss your views about art and music while enjoying a great meal. It will be a cultural trip that you’re sure to remember for a long time.

Convinced? You have until November 4, 2012 to enter! Share your favourite Montreal moment on Twitter and use the hashtag #RDVaMTL. We can’t wait to read the stories you have to tell!

To participate, just go on our Facebook page and invite a friend. This contest is valid until 4 november 2012 midnight.

The post ENTER THE RENDEZ-VOUS IN MONTREAL CONTEST! appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.