Having Smoked Meat Sandwiches at Rueben's Deli, Montreal

Today we took the train home from Montreal but before we did, Teena and I wanted to try a smoked meat sandwich from Reubin's Deli which has been around since 1976. We had heard good things about it.

 

 

The decor was quite cool with a jazz theme, but we were hungry and it was time to eat.

Teena and I both ordered the Famous Super Sandwich with 10 oz. of smoked meat. I switched fries for a Caesar salad and it was huge, and quite good.

The sandwiches were huge and delicious!

This should make your mouth water!

The food and service were great. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

Exploring Old Montreal

Today Teena and I went for a long walk and explored old Montreal. I think it is fabulous that the city has been able to preserve this piece of their heritage. The domed building above houses an art gallery.

This Bank of Montreal main branch (the building with the dome to the left) was built in 1847.

 

 

 

I thought this building was strange. It seems sawed off at the back but there are windows there overlooking the alley so it was designed this way.

Some shots of the area. Many of the streets are quite narrow.

I wish the city had placed plaques or signs on each building to show when it was built and maybe what it once was. This looks like it could have been an inn.

A creepy alley.

La Maison de Mère d'Youville. These old walls, built in 1694 as the first General Hospital in Montreal, still speak of Saint Marguerite d’Youville who from 1747 to 1771 lived here and received the cities most down-trodden.

 

The old customs house.

 

Habitat 67.

 

An on the water spa in a ship, complete with an outdoor hot tub.

 

We ended our day with a couple of pints at Les 3 Brasseurs on St-Paul. We can place an approximate date on this building as it was the original location of the first Bank of Montreal in 1817.

There weren't many people around on this damp spring weekday but I imagine that when summer hits, it would be jammed. We had a great day exploring this part of the city.

The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal

Today was grey, cloudy and damp but still Teena and I decided to head out and check out old Montreal. On the way, we stopped in to take a look at the Notre-Dame Basilica. Inaugurated in 1829, the outside has some very intricate details.  

At the time of its inauguration, Notre-Dame Church was the largest house of worship of any religious denomination in North America. The three statues on the façade of the Basilica represent Montreal (the Virgin Mary), Quebec (Saint John the Baptist) and Canada (Saint Joseph).

Attached to the right of the Basilica is this building which in looking at the stonework has undergone many additions over the years.

Admission was only $5 and was totally worth it. The interior is so beautiful and detailed. Here's the altar.

 

 

 

 

The staircase was very detailed.

 

The stained glass windows gave some of the history of the church.

The Notre-Dame Basilica is well worth a visit if you're in Montreal.

Montreal Smoked Meat at Dunn's

Yes, that is snow blowing sideways in Montreal on March 30th!

Today Teena and I were ready for some authentic smoked meat. That took us to Dunn's Original, a place that has been around since 1927.

Myer Dunn founded Dunn's Famous Restaurant in 1927. Due to my grandfather's unique recipes and high quality standards, Dunn's Famous quickly became a local institution for Montrealers and visitors alike. In keeping with the Dunn's Famous tradition, I invite you to visit one of our locations and experience what montrealer's have been raving about for years.

I liked the way the place was decorated. It was quite colourful. Apparently they have moved a couple of times and have been in this location for more than 10 years.

Teena ordered her smoked meat with a baked potato. I went all deli and ordered mine with a latke, which is a delicious Jewish-style potato pancake. I haven't had one for years. It was fabulous. If I wasn't so full at the end, I would have ordered more.

The money shot!

I really enjoyed my Dunn's experience. The staff was friendly and the food fabulous!

Shopping for Beer at Depanneur AS Variety Store

After Teena and I left Dieu Du Ciel, we went around the corner to a variety store that our server had recommended, Depanneur AS. I had hoped to pick two or three decent brews but this is what we ended up toting home

What greeted us when we entered this small store was not a store packed with the usual items that variety stores carry. There is a small section for that. Instead are shelves and shelves and coolers full of craft beer. All kinds of craft beer, most of which I wanted to take home.

I started by saying that I would just choose six. Then oh, another two, oh another two. We walked out with a box of beer and more in my bag. Next time I hit this store, I'll be more prepared.