Lesters Deli
1057 Bernard Ave
Outremont
Montreal, P.Q.
Been a few years since I visited this classic eatery but the last time I had the urge to drop in to enjoy some fine deli, I discovered that they were closed on Sundays. Tonight I satisfied my craving for their famous club roll which consists of grilled smoked meat, salami, stuffed chicken, and black forest ham on a sesame bun. I walked in and was pleasantly surprised to see the server, Danielle was still there after all these years. And so too, was Vasili, the man with the magic knife who cuts the meat for the thousands of sandwiches he has made over the past decades. Billy Lester was not there which is understandable on a Saturday night but the place operates like a finely tuned instrument under the watchful eye of Nick. Lenny Edelstein charms the paying customers as he mans the cash register. Danielle is a treat to watch as she greets and seats new arrivals, brings them menus, all the while attending to those who have already ordered and delivering the mouth-watering food to the tables as quickly as it comes from the kitchen. I counted forty people seated at tables in addition to several more being served at the counter with take-out orders. Incidentally, the above-mentioned club roll accompanied by a dill pickle, French fries, and a Coke (not that boring syrup and water that most restaurants serve you) but a real Coke in a can, costs $14.49. That is an amazing price for this day and age. I appreciate the fact too that the parking meters do not charge for parking after 6:00 P.M. in Outremont.
Rekindle the memories of the Deli Days of yesterday. You’ll be glad you came.
