Ep 5. Kosher Montreal

Dead Set on Life is a culinary travelogue that explores the rich tapestry of food cultures around the world, hosted by Canadian chef and food writer Matty Matheson. Season 2 episode 5, titled "Kosher Montreal," takes us on a journey to Montreal, Canada, to explore its vibrant Jewish food culture and its iconic delis and bagel shops.

At the beginning of the episode, Matty introduces the city of Montreal as a melting pot of cultures and histories, which has led to a unique and diverse food scene. He acknowledges the importance of Jewish cuisine in the city, specifically noting that Montreal's famed bagels are distinct from those found in New York, due to the influence of its large Jewish community.

Soon, we see Matty meet up with local food writer and historian Kat Romanow, who takes him on a tour of some of Montreal's most beloved Jewish delis and eateries. First, they stop at Wilensky's, a classic old-time deli that has been around since 1932. Matty tries their iconic "special" sandwich, which consists of a grilled beef salami and bologna sandwich with a secret sauce. He also notes the nostalgia and history that permeate the atmosphere of the deli, adding to the charm of the experience.

Next, Matty and Kat head to St-Viateur Bagel, one of the most popular bagel shops in the city. Matty marvels at their hand-rolled and wood-fired bagels, and confirms that they're unlike any other bagel he's ever tasted. He enjoys a bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers, a traditional Jewish dish that he describes as "simple and perfect."

Matty then visits The Main, one of the oldest and most famous delis in Montreal. He tries their smoked meat sandwich, which is similar to pastrami but with a unique blend of spices and flavors. He also enjoys a side of coleslaw and a plate of poutine, a quintessential Quebecois dish that features fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

Later, Matty goes to Moishes, a fancy steakhouse that's been around since 1938. He meets with Lenny Lighter, the restaurant's general manager, who tells him about the history of the restaurant and its connection to the Jewish community. Matty tries the house specialty, a rib-eye steak that's aged for several weeks to enhance its flavor and tenderness. He also samples the smoked meat and mashed potatoes, both of which he finds delicious.

The episode ends with Matty's reflection on the diversity and richness of Montreal's food scene, specifically the importance of Jewish cuisine and its contributions to the city's culinary landscape. He expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about a culture and cuisine that he's always been interested in, and leaves viewers with a sense of awe and appreciation for the city's food culture.

Overall, "Kosher Montreal" is a delightful and informative episode that showcases Montreal's Jewish food culture in an engaging and delicious way. Matty's love and passion for food is evident throughout the episode, and his eagerness to learn and explore new cuisines is infectious. Viewers will undoubtedly come away with a newfound appreciation for Montreal's food scene and the importance of preserving cultural food traditions.