Schwartz's Delicatessen

There's a line-up at this Montréal institution at 3895 boulevard St. Laurent. Since it's after 1:00pm the wait isn't too bad–only about 15-20 minutes. It's a narrow hole in the wall place, with barely enough width for a long counter and several rows of tables. It's definitely not the decor of plain white walls and fake wood laminate countertop which attract crowds to this place. What everyone comes for can be seen resting on the the large metal trays behind the counter. Steaming hot briskets of smoked meat the size of a man's calf.

Schwartz's smoked meat is different from Ben's. The meat is fattier and milder spiced to let the beef flavour through. The thick cuts of meat are very tender. The strands of brisket are barely held together by the fat and separates easily when the fat melts in your mouth. This culinary wonder may harden your arteries, but it delights the palate and that's worth the risk. Recommended for carnivores everywhere.