With Christmas and New Years behind us, I can finally start blogging again. I apologise for the lapse of time between posts. It has been a hectic, all-consuming time with food, family and friends.
For my first post of 2008, I have decided to revisit some of the Montréal travel highlights that I have been meaning to get to. In particular, there is one place that has remained with me since our trip in September: Wilensky Light Lunch.
Wilensky's is a Montréal institution that mustn't be missed. The historical Jewish diner is most famous for its 'Wilensky Special'; a toasted salami and bolonge sandwich served with mustard and a homemade pickle (also known as a 'half-sour') on the side. The food by itself isn't outstanding (it's a toasted sandwich), but it is the whole 'Wilensky experience' that makes it so special.
Wilensky's time-worn wood-top counters and "hospital-scrub-green" walls take you back into the early 1930s when it first threw open its doors. The place is fascinating and it's hard not to feel like you're part of something special when you step through its doors. A cabinet on the left side of the room, wallpapered with dozens of articles in which generations of Wilenskys pose with their famous sandwiches, bears testament to a diner steeped in history.
For over 75 years Wilensky's has been serving all sorts of clientele from politicians, celebrities to Montréal locals. There are only nine bar stools available so you have to wait your turn and there is a strict policy on no chit-chat or loitering. You are in and out!
We arrived at Wilensky at 3.45pm and their doors close at 4pm on the dot (we didn't know this at the time). I could feel that they were anxious for us to leave but when we started taking so many photos, I think they thought what the heck, we'll let them sit down and enjoy the special. We washed it down with the best chocolate milkshake I have EVER had and then were promptly escorted to the door.
Wilensky Light Lunch
34 Fairmount Street, West
Montréal, QC
That sandwich looks great, and perfect for lunch!
Posted by: Hillary | 18 January 2008 at 08:42 AM
Hi Hillary, yes it was a delicious snack and a very cheap one too!
Posted by: Syrie | 18 January 2008 at 05:10 PM
Hey Syrie, I tried this too. What a cool place. It was packed. We had to wait a little but it was worth it just for the Wilensky experience.
Posted by: Latia | 30 July 2008 at 05:59 AM
Hi Syrie,
I love Wilensky and always make sure I enjoy their special (the other name for their sandwich) approx once or twice a week. I discovered the place about 10 yrs ago, and back then the sandwich had even more meat it it. It is as succulent nevertheless.
Tell me: May I know what type of photo camera you do use + what type of lens as well. I want to get a better camera for my food blog and found your photos to be really nice.
Best wishes.
S Lloyd
Posted by: S Lloyd | 28 December 2009 at 05:55 AM