Montreal-smoked beef

Gosh I remember having smoked beef at Ben's on my honeymoon (way back in 1982); it was the last place in town we ate at before heading back south to the lower 48, brings back very nice memories. And we're still married!

Whoops this should have been posted in the Unique Regional Cuisine section. Gimme a break; I'm a newbie.

Ben's is still around, but it's not what it used to be. It exists only as a historical site really. The place with the good stuff is Schwartz's. Beautiful pink brisket. Great atmosphere. Miraculously only $4 Canadian for a piled high sandwich. Always doing thriving business. On a four day trip, I went there 3 times.

Ditto Goldsborscht's comments about Schwartz's. When I was in college, I once drove about 8 hours for one of those wonderful sandwiches! I didn't own a car at the time so I rented one for the occassion!

There is a contender, however to Schwartz's.
Smoked Meat Pete's on Ille de Perrott was founded by the son of the original founder of The Main.
Local reviews indicate his fresh cut fries and traditional smoked meat finish a real close#2 to Schwartz's#1.
See www.montrealgazette.com for "the best of montreal" reviews.
DaveM

They could contend, but they can't defeat.

6-year-old thread, but I had to add this picture of my sandwich at Reuben's on Ste-Catherine.
 
One of the best smoked meat sandwiches I've ever had.

Bonk, that looks great!

What cut of meat do Montreal smoked meat places use?
Joe

I'm guessing brisket...I didn't specifically ask, but that's definitely what it tasted like.
 
I didn't know until I sat down there that smoked meat = corned beef.

Bonk

Smoked is different than Corned in most parts of the USA. It may be a local 'definition' in Canada or some local areas within 'The Great White North'!! ????? I know that if you ask for SMOKED Beef in Central Texas, what you receive is certainly NOT CORNED Beef !!
  Your sandwich looks like a great Corned Beef Sandwich to me !! Thanks for the photo description!

You are correct (mostly) Mr. Mayor.  Montreal Smoked Meat is a local definition, and it is actually closer to what most know as Pastrami than Corned Beef.  It's brisket that is cured w/ spices, smoked, and then steamed, as opposed to Corned Beef which is not smoked.  IMO Schwartz's is the best in Montreal and a not-to-be-missed Roadfood experience.

Brisket... thanks yall! Now about how to cure it??? Anyone know?
Joe