Finding Papa Ernie
Run by the elusive ‘Papa Ernie’, Chez Papa Ernie is a find, and one of Montreal’s newest eateries. Opened last month, it is part-deli and part full-fledged home-style restaurant that serves Kosher food and attracts a decidedly Jewish clientele. Finding the place was a miracle of sorts. It is located in a primarily residential row of houses visibly distinguishable only by the painting of a penguin clad in a tuxedo who joyfully welcome you.
The penguin is only the first work of art. On entering, quizzically painted coats hang fictitiously on the walls. A little further are a series of pitch-forks, which act as the real-life coat-hangers of the house. Then you see a host of paintings by the Montreal artist Chaim Teitelbaum, who is known in the community and known for his depictions of the life of religious Jewry in different settings
Here part of the main wall is depicts a floor-to ceiling stone-construction wood burning stove. All you are missing is a baker to pull rows upon rows of famous Montreal bagels magically from the wall. Another depicts two Jewish men drinking a beer with a lonesome prairie background, while another is a vast mountain landscape – maybe a land is a far-off land.
The food runs the gamut, notably the restaurant sells itself as the home of the world’s best burgers. And they are excellent. The fries are cut in small rounded morsels, and the delicious burgers come with a small serving of beans. In addition to Papa Ernie’s Classic burger, others include knockwurst, salami, chicken and even teriyaki pineapple burgers. Other unique fare includes Michigan red hot meat sauce, or a Chinese dim sum station cart. Steaks are also a prominent part of the menu here, from the popular 12oz rib steak, to boneless beef filet or marinated tender sliced filet of beef.
Ask about take-out specials. The restaurant also caters for parties and events. Some rules, though. No kvetching allowed! (Yiddish, meaning ‘don’t come in a bad mood!’) kibitzing only. (joyfulness is allowed) or bring back your Michpacha. (bring back your family!).
So if you come to this eatery you might learn a few Yiddish words, and be part of the living Jewish tradition in Montreal!
Chez Papa Ernie
Telephone: [514] 385 0001
Address: 5389 Decarie Blvd
City, Province: Montreal, Quebec
Credit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard, AMEX, Dinners
Web: http://www.erniethecaterer.com
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30am to 9:30pm, Friday 11:30am-3:00pm, Saturday closed
Average meal cost: 18 dollars per person
2 Comments
When I asked Ernie about the abovementioned “Chinese dim sum station cart” when I called for reservations, his answer (and I quote) was “Dim Sum? … We’re just starting with the Chinese. I don’t know where you got that. I have a great General Tao for you”.
Too bad. Based on your review, I was looking forward to the Dim Sum. Also, the website address you posted in not valid.
A classy family restaurant is the place to be. This is our 3rd visit to Chez Papa Ernie’s on Decarie Blvd near Bourret. This friendly find is the ideal eatery if you are looking for fine tasting homemade food; like Bubbie used to make. It is also the spot to meet an elegant class of people where folks surely know each other. I must say that Chez Papa Ernie is getting better & better each time we visit.
As soon as we were seated, a friendly waiter arrived with 7 small salads, plus an assortment of delicious hot hors d’oeuvres. What a beautiful touch. We started with real homemade soups like Bubbie used to make. We ordered different main courses which were superb. Namely, my daughter had the GARLIC ROMANIAN KARNATZEL (very very tasty!), my son had a scrumptious MICHIGAN BURGER; my Hubbie enjoyed a tender 12oz RIB STEAK cooked to perfection. I devoured the CHINESE CASHEW CHICKEN STIR FRY which was served on a sizzling platter; truly a feast, well prepared & presented!
We also witnessed two birthday parties going on with sparklers and very Frailach music. One table was served a Pareve CHOCOLATE CAKE and one an APPLE STRUDEL. We were very impressed to see all the Diners that joined in the singing and clapping as if they were invited. Ernie was always visible making sure the clients were being served properly. I give Chez Papa Ernie a 5-Star rating. Keep up the good work Ernie!
p.s. Our 2nd visit was on a Sunday lunch. We enjoyed full course meals at very reasonable prices. The table d’hôte dinner menu is priced right. Valet parking is a welcome added feature.