Montreal's restaurant scene has experienced a significant blow with the closure of The Main Deli Steak House, a renowned institution known for its smoked meat. The iconic eatery, which has been a staple on St-Laurent Boulevard since 1974, closed its doors permanently this week, leaving a void in the hearts of its loyal patrons.
The Decline of The Main Deli
While the sudden closure came as a surprise to many, the signs of decline were evident over the past decade. The Main had started closing earlier, increasing prices, and controversially, sourcing its smoked brisket instead of smoking it in-house. These changes, coupled with labor shortages, gentrification, high food prices, and pandemic closures, have put immense pressure on the restaurant industry.
It was not just the changes in operation that disappointed loyal customers. The decline in quality was also noticeable. The famous coleslaw and in-house smoked meat that once made The Main a revered establishment were replaced with store-bought coleslaw and outsourced meat. The restaurant lost its charm and authenticity, leaving customers longing for the good old days.
A Cultural Icon Fades Away
The closure of The Main Deli is not just a loss for the restaurant industry but also for the cultural fabric of Montreal. The deli was a gathering place for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. Leonard Cohen, the renowned singer-songwriter, was a regular at The Main, adding to its allure. Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared The Main's smoked meat sandwich as the. best. smoked. meat. in. montreal. in a tweet, which generated controversy and debate.
The Legacy Lives On
While The Main Deli may be gone, the tradition of smoked meat in Montreal lives on in other establishments. Schwartz's and Lester's Deli continue to serve authentic, in-house smoked meat, maintaining the legacy that The Main had once upheld. Delibee's in Pointe-Claire, run by Philip Varvaro, and Smoked Meat Pete's in L'Île Perrot, run by Peter Varvaro's other son, are also keeping the original recipe alive. These locations provide a glimmer of hope for those seeking the true taste of Montreal smoked meat.
- Q: What made The Main Deli Steak House famous?
- A: The Main Deli was renowned for its smoked meat, which was considered by many to be the best in Montreal. It attracted a diverse clientele, including notable figures like Leonard Cohen and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
- Q: Why did The Main Deli close down?
- A: The closure of The Main Deli can be attributed to various factors, including labor shortages, gentrification, high food prices, and a decline in quality. Changes in its operation, such as increased prices and the sourcing of smoked brisket instead of smoking it in-house, also contributed to its downfall.
- Q: Are there other delis in Montreal that serve authentic smoked meat?
- A: Yes, there are still a few delis in Montreal that maintain the tradition of serving authentic, in-house smoked meat. Schwartz's, Lester's Deli, Delibee's in Pointe-Claire, and Smoked Meat Pete's in L'Île Perrot are among the notable establishments that continue to offer the true taste of Montreal smoked meat.
The closure of The Main Deli marks the end of an era for Montreal's restaurant scene. The loss of this iconic establishment, known for its smoked meat and cherished by locals and celebrities alike, is a reminder of the challenges faced by the restaurant industry. However, the legacy of Montreal smoked meat lives on in other delis that strive to uphold the tradition and provide customers with an authentic experience. As Montreal continues to evolve, it is essential to celebrate and support the establishments that preserve the city's culinary heritage.
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