Having always acknowledge the rivalery (however fictitious) between Schwartz and Main, I stepped out of the Schwartz's long line for a comfy meal at Main. First, the place is not even a third full. I sat down and ordered my smoke meat. The bread is softer than Schwartz's but less flavor. The meat succulent, juicy and melts in your mouth. However, the spice is overpowering the flavor of the meat (or is the flavor of the meat lacking?). It's missing that Schwarts flavor of meat that makes you instantly recognize the smell and the taste. So I believe this is a case of classical (or whatever you call it) conditioning where people remember the taste and smell of Schwartz's meat better than Main. Doesn't mean Schwarts' better, just that I want Schwarts' flavor, and Main's succulent melt-in-your-mouth quality on the meat. I hope Schwarts' can use less line, and Main can use less spice. The pickle at Main is not very impressive either.
Guess I have to return for the long wait in line.