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MONTREAL CLASSICS: WORTH THE HYPE?

Kaitlyn
Sep 20, 2016
2 min read

The two most recommended places in Montreal? La Banquise and Schwartz's Deli by far! Today I had the chance to try both and see if they lived up to expectation.

La Banquise is a 50 year old, all-night diner famous for their poutines. They have around 30 poutine options with different combinations of steak, onions, chicken, tomatoes, hot dogs, mushrooms, bacon and smoked meat. Max and I chose the more simple options, deciding to share a regular size bacon and a regular size smoked meat. Even though we ordered regular as opposed to large, the servings were gigantic! We could have easily split one regular between the two of us. I think a large would be able to feed a family of four!

So how was the poutine? Let us just say it lived up to expectation. I really enjoyed the bacon, and the gravy and cheese were excellent. It was on par with the poutine we had a couple days ago from Restaurant Mâche, both being amazing! It was fairly busy when we arrived for lunch, but we were seated right away and our food was in front of us before we knew it.

The next place I was told multiple times I "absolutely must try" was Schwartz's Deli. Schwartz's is world famous for their smoked meat, and claim to be the oldest deli in Canada (over 80 years). Although I had heard rave reviews, I was also told you feel very rushed when you are eating and if you are looking to sit down and enjoy your meal, this might not be the place to go. Still, if the food was good, I was going to give it a shot!

Upon arriving there was a line of four people out the door which made us frown. However, everyone ahead of us was seating in minutes, with us being seated quickly after. The restaurant was small and crowded, and did not look like they had redecorated in fifteen years. We ordered right away, and our food came out within five minutes. I did not feel rushed per say, the staff were just working very fast to keep up with the demand and doing a great job!

Now onto the good stuff, the food. The smoked meat was soft and flavourful, with the mustard adding the perfect touch. Schwartz's Deli is a place that lets their food do all the talking, and I can see why they are world famous.

Both La Banquise and Schwartz's Deli lived up to their hype. These are two places I absolutely recomment trying if you are in Montreal!