Welcome to the photo series Eater Scenes, in which photographers visit some of the world's great food sites to capture them at a certain, and very specific, point in the day. Today, photographer Randall Brodeur visits suburban Montreal destination Smoke Meat Pete.
In the far-flung western Montreal suburb of Île-Perrot, stands a smoked meat gem that some patrons argue rivals the landmark Schwartz's deli. Founded nearly two decades ago by Peter Varvaro, Jr., the son of a late, famed deli man, Smoke Meat Pete has turned into a mecca for carnivores in search of its signature cured brisket, served simply with rye bread, yellow mustard, and a large helping of thick-cut fries.
Photographer Randall Brodeur made the Pete's pilgrimage on a Saturday night in December. From the roof to the ordering window trim, the restaurant was decked out for Christmas. Inside, the busy kitchen churned out fragrant brisket (and steaks, ribs, burgers, and Jewish deli standbys like latkes, karnatzel, chopped liver, club rolls, and salami on rye) for lines of customers, while a live blues band played on stage. Check out the scene in the gallery above.
