Today class we visit the PickUP - a cornerstore with a soul. Sitting on a small stretch of Waverly, just south of JN Talon, this real gem has been up and running for what I'm told 3 years. No it's not about selling candies and cigarettes, it's about serving up some of the best food in the area. But then again - it's far from being about the food either - it's about the soul of the place, the ambiance; the fact that everybody's a "local" there.
It sits in a semi-residential area of the Mile-EX, corner of Waverly & Mozart and sports a very authentic, old fashion look. Old brick, rusted metal work in the windows, old wooden picnic tables - all that's missing is an old dog. I'll give you - the two picnic tables or the 70's style arborite on the counter might not seem that inviting for the the common dinks or yuppies - but to me, it's paradise. It's what I look for in a place; somewhere with a background - somewhere that you know, some 30 years ago, somebody was sipping coffee - probably smoking a cigarette - while reading a copy of MAD magazine on the very same stool, with the very same vinyl on it.
From what I can make up; the staff is almost solely comprised of emerging artists; Think of it - kinda cool being served an excellent pulled-pork sandwhich by the next soon-to-be Arcade Fire. I hear Beaver, who worked the Pied de Cochon for a few years and who cooked my delicious burger last week, is a signer/guitarist; and so is Joseph. But aside from that emerging artist-camaraderie and entraide, the staff seems united by bonds stronger that those of a family. You really feel like they're part of something good, something great.
Now the food - well obviously you cannot expect a 3-Michelin star meal - or can you ? First time I brought a friend there, he had the grilled shark with roasted-garlic mashed potatoes; at 10$ it's kind of an incredible deal. Though don't expect that everyday, that was a menu-du-jour fantaisie; The usuals are Burger, pulled pork sandwhich, club sandwhich, salads just to name a few. It's simple - but it's fantastic. In those days it's rare to find a tasty burger that's made of real meat; not frozen substitutes. I tell you - this is some tasty sh*t. Their club sandwhich is also something - made up of grilled chicken breasts, and served with fresh veggies - and foremost - their magical chipotle mayo. Don't forget they also serve breakfast - brunches actually, and wild one at that - all the week-end long. That's actually my favorite b'fast spot (ok - mainly because they still serve b'fasts at 3PM)
If you like deserts - then also you'll want to hit this place. The cookies, brownies (even the delicious nataj ?) are cooked locally - and if you're lucky enough, you may catch some straight out the oven. They also usually sport a wide variety of cakes and pies... which will all make you say "10 mins more on the stepmaster tonite" (don't worry for me though, I don' train - nor do I feel bad about eating hypercalorific meals.)
Folks - I can't press it enough how much this place is a real gem; I've been going there bi-weekly for the past month++, and still surprises me every time. Go there for the food, the coffee, the ambiance - and if you don't mind eating between strangers (or between Chips Ahoy! and Tampax). By all means hit this joint!
Bring cash - depanneurlepickup.com
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