Moishes Steakhouse
Moishes Steakhouse is one of the oldest and most respected[1] restaurants in Montreal, Canada. Founded in 1938 by Moishe Lighter,[2] it was initially called "Romanian Paradise." Legend has it that Lighter, an immigrant from Romania to Canada, became the owner of the restaurant in a card game. The restaurant's name was changed to "Moishes" at the outset of World War II. The restaurant remains a fixture of Montreal and "The Main" neighborhood of Montreal today. The Main and its residents are prominent in Montreal literature and culture, as most famously represented in the writing of Montreal's Mordecai Richler. (Richler himself was a long-time Moishes client, and the restaurant features prominently in much of his work.)
The restaurant has been in its location at 3961 Saint Laurent Boulevard since its founding, in an area that was the historic Jewish quarter. Identified as a "Jewish steakhouse," its menu was based on traditional Old World recipes, and it catered to the mainly Central European immigrant residents of The Main neighbourhood. The influence of Romanian cuisine has had a significant shaping influence on the culinary culture of Montreal, producing, among other staples, the Montreal-style steak spice, bagels and smoked meat for which the city has become known.
Contents
Reception and awards
The restaurant won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2011,[3] and was named by Forbes magazine as one of the Top 10 Steakhouses in the World.[4]
Notable clientele
Over the decades, Moishes became a draw for Montrealers of all backgrounds and walks of life. In addition to "regular" Montrealers, it has been frequented by a long list of celebrities, politicians and athletes who have included Penélope Cruz, Robert De Niro, Céline Dion, Paul Newman, Sharon Stone, Robert Downey Jr. and Don Rickles.[2] Karol Wojtyla, who would later become Pope John Paul II, ate there while still a Cardinal.[2]
References
Additional sources
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. (subscription required)
- Weintraub, William (1996). City Unique: Montreal Days and Nights in the 1940s and 50s. McClelland & Stewart. ISBN 0-7710-8991-0
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. (subscription required)
External links
- Official website
- Moishes listing at Frommers
- 10 Best listing and reviews
- Review from Lesleychesterman.com
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
