Main Deli Steak House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Main Deli Steak House |
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|---|---|
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1974 |
| Food type | Kosher style delicatessen and Steakhouse |
| Dress code | Casual |
| Street address | 3864 Saint Laurent Boulevard |
| City | Montreal |
| State | Quebec |
| Postal/ZIP code | H2W 1Y2 |
| Country | Canada |
| Website | Main Deli Steak House (official site): http://www.maindelisteakhouse.com/ |
The Main Deli Steak House, often called just Main Deli, is a well-known restaurant in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It's a type of restaurant called a delicatessen (or "deli") and also a Steakhouse. A deli is a place that sells ready-to-eat foods, often meats and cheeses.
This restaurant first opened its doors in 1974. It was started by Peter Varvaro. You can find the Main Deli on Saint Laurent Boulevard, right across the street from another very famous deli, Schwartz's Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen. These two restaurants are often compared by people who love smoked meat!
Peter Varvaro, the founder, grew up in an Italian family. But he also learned a lot about Jewish culture and language. The Main Deli is still a family business today. Peter's children have even opened their own smoked meat restaurants in other parts of Montreal. Some famous people have eaten at Main Deli, including Stanley Lewis and Leonard Cohen. Even Céline Dion used to visit, though she later became one of the owners of Schwartz's!
What Can You Eat at Main Deli?
The Main Deli is most famous for its smoked meat. They make this special meat right in the back of their restaurant.
How Smoked Meat is Made
To make smoked meat, they use whole pieces of beef brisket. First, the meat is "cured." This means it's soaked in a special liquid called brine. The brine has salt and other ingredients that help preserve the meat and give it flavor.
They also add their own mix of spices. These spices include black pepper, garlic, coriander, and mustard seed. These are similar to the spices used in Montreal steak seasonings. After curing, the meat is smoked in a special oven. Finally, it's steamed until it's perfectly cooked and ready to eat.
Peter Varvaro, the owner, says that the way they smoke and cook the meat is very important. It's what gives their smoked meat its unique taste and texture.
Other Popular Dishes
Besides their famous smoked meat, the Main Deli also serves other tasty dishes. They are well-known for their smoked meat poutine. Poutine is a Canadian dish made with french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. They also make a delicious smoked meat burger.
