I knew just by the smell in the restaurant when I walked in that I was in for a rough one. First let me start off by saying that I am an ex-montrealer and I know my smoked meat. When I walked in to Caplansky's I noticed that it was missing that smoked meat deli smell that I know and love... Strike one. The second thing I noticed when I was seated at my table is that there was a choice of mustards that included, super hot mustard and honey mustard. Dear Toronto, anything other than basic yellow mustard on a smoked meat sandwich is just wrong... Strike two. The third thing I noticed was that the gentleman that was cutting the meat was weighing it on a scale before constructing the sandwich. Where's the love?! Making a smoked meat sandwich is an art form. Depending on which part of the bread you get, you may not get an optimal bun to meat ratio... Strike three, you're out before my food even arrives.... But wait, there's more...
The meal finally arrived. I ordered a combo which came with a generous portion of decent fries and a smoked meat sandwich. I ordered my smoked meat medium because I'm not an idiot. The meat was very dry and lacked the classic smoked meat flavour. It tasted like a piece of meat that was picked and smoked by an amateur that didn't quite get the hang of it yet.
I should also let you know that I went to this place with an open mind and very low expectations. It wouldn't take much to exceed my rock bottom expectations.
While this does not affect my rating, I feel compelled to let you know that the staff was very attentive and the service was good. Not good enough Caplansky's... Enjoy my $15, because you won't get any more from me...