Montreal, Quebec is one of the most diverse cities in Canada if not North America. It is the perfect mix of old European influence as well as the modern busyness of a metropolitan city. If you were to ask a local what separates Montreal from the rest of the Country chances are you'll get a variety of responses ranging from culture, language (french being the predominant language in Quebec), a thriving night life, beautiful scenery, our famous city bixie bikes that you rent out and park at different stations throughout Montreal, the fact that Montreal is actually an ISLAND, our ridiculous never ending construction season, our hockey rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs and last but not least .... FOOD. Montreal is known for having quite possibly the BESTfood. Was there any doubt that the Greeks mastered the culinary art of local cuisine? Well ladies and gentlemen, they did. When visiting our glorious city of mountains and rivers - stopping for Montreal Smoked Meat is a must. Smoked meat? YES smoked meat. It is not pastrami as they call it in New York, it is not corned beef. It is Montreal Smoked Meat. A beef brisket which is seasoned beautifully with an array of local spices, smoked, steamed and sliced to perfection - which is an art on its own. Smoked meat cutters is actually a specialized job which involves a technique.
There are plenty of places that sell smoked meat in Montreal. However, if you want the good stuff and you want it from the hands of a skilled Greek who knows the ins and outs of the business then I recommend LES VOLTIGEURS RESTAURANT, 305 boul. Sainte-Rose, Laval, Quebec, H7L 1M5 just north of Montreal. Our gracious and generous hosts of the evening Mr. George and Mrs. Peggy Giagkos, owners of Les Voltigeurs, prepared the finest of local Montreal cuisine and actually gave us a tour of the smoked meat station where all the magic happens! The food porn started with onion rings, poutine - which is another local tradition in Montreal (french fries drowned in home made beef stalked gravy and topped with cheese curds) You'll need to double up on your OPA-cize™ work out after a meal like this but it's worth it! It ended with a traditional smoked meat sandwich served on rye bread and mustard with a dill pickle on the side. The experience was mouth watering and the company was even better.
Next time you're in Montreal make sure you sample our poutine and smoked meat and if you want it served from the best - make your way to Les Voltigeurs Restaurant St Rose. Tell them the OPA girls sent you :)
A heartfelt expression of gratitude to the owners of Les Voltigeurs (Peggy and George) for welcoming my team and me and giving us a sneak peak of the art of smoked meat cutting and for the incredible food and service. You truly are an amazing duo. Your hospitality and kindness will never be forgotten....either will your food!
OPA from beautiful Montreal, Canada!