I'm picky on smoked meat. It is not a dish that I order often or that I make at home. I know it's lining up at a certain famous restaurant in Montreal, but I've never developed an all-consuming passion for this dish from here.
However, La Fabrique du smoked meat caught my eye on a beautiful Saturday noon. From the outside, the building does not go unnoticed. Located on the corner of Raoul-Jobin and Lafayette streets in the Saint-Sauveur sector of Quebec City, the restaurant is exploding. Red bricks and a yellow sign, it's hard to miss.
I pushed open the door to be greeted by the owner herself. She let me sit down and I chose a small table at the back. Although I always love to share a good meal in good company, I also like to reconnect with the pleasure of going out to eat alone at a restaurant. This is a practice that I often did when I lived in Europe, but here I have less opportunity. I drag a little notebook or a book and enjoy the moment. My eyes and ears are alert and I observe my surroundings differently.
The menu is already on the table and of course, the smoked meat is the star. It is found in salads, sandwiches, submarines, poutine, etc. The little inscription at the bottom of the menu delights me: We use natural spices and do not use any preservatives. I love! I scan the menu with my eyes quickly and a dish instantly catches my eye: spaghetti with smoked meat and Caesar salad.
I take out my notebook to jot down a few notes when my plate arrives a few minutes later! What fast service! And yet the restaurant is well filled in addition to those who order take out.
I am satisfied with the portion which is ideal for a dinner. The smoked meat melts in the mouth, it is really delicious! Nothing to do with the small bags bought in grocery stores. Sliced ??neither too thin nor too thick, with a good smoky taste and sweet spices, I really like the meat and I understand why the restaurant has been around for so long. The mixture with the spaghetti fills me as well as the salad. On the side, 4 rye buns with garlic complete the picture and make the perfect link with the specialty of the place.
I come away satisfied, well fed and with a new take on smoked meat.
Rating: 8.5 / 10
What struck me the most about my visit: The retro decor
The house specialty: Smoked meat
The most expensive main meal on the menu: Assiette de la Fabrique, 12 oz of smoked meat served with 4 slices of bread, house fries, coleslaw and pickle, $ 28
The cheapest main meal on the menu: Regular poutine, $ 9
Would I recommend this restaurant: Yes
What time of day did I visit: Dinner
Pros: Fast service
Cons: Narrow dining room
