The restaurant Blackstrap BBQ, nestled in the quaint locality of Verdun’s Promenade Wellington, was founded in 2012 and quickly became a staple for barbecue enthusiasts. The name “Blackstrap” is derived from Blackstrap molasses, a crucial ingredient that lends a distinct flavour to their renowned BBQ sauce. The eatery, although now closed, left a legacy of serving authentic American regional barbecue styles, which included a blend of culinary traditions from Texas to Memphis.
The Story Behind Blackstrap BBQ
The Heart of Blackstrap: Dylan Kier
The soul of Blackstrap BBQ was its pitmaster, Dylan Kier, whose passion and relentless commitment to quality elevated the restaurant to a revered position among BBQ aficionados. His meticulous choice of locally sourced meats from Quebec farms was a testament to his dedication to both quality and community engagement.
Slow-cooked to Perfection
The slow-cooking method employed at Blackstrap BBQ was nothing short of a ritual. The 16-hour wood-burning pit process not only intensified the flavours but also ensured a tender, fall-off-the-bone experience that patrons came to love and expect.
Main Services
Restaurant Operations
Blackstrap BBQ, often recognized as one of the best BBQ spots in Montreal, provided a wide array of BBQ dishes. The heart of the menu comprised staple items like Pork Ribs, Beef Brisket, and Pulled Pork, each served in hearty portions, ensuring a fulfilling meal. The Texas Spice Rub and Memphis Dry Rub were signature touches that added an authentic southern and Memphis BBQ flavour to the meats, respectively. The ‘Full Rack of Ribs’ was a particularly cherished item on the menu, renowned for its tender, fall-apart meat and smoky goodness.
Hours of Operation
The Verdun, Quebec, location followed a specific operational schedule to cater to the BBQ cravings of its patrons. Though closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the restaurant welcomed diners from 12h to 21h/22h on the remaining days of the week. This schedule allowed for both lunch and dinner service, providing ample time for diners to indulge in a leisurely meal amidst a rustic and lively ambiance.
Catering Services
With over 15 years of experience in the catering domain, Blackstrap BBQ extended its services beyond the restaurant premises. The catering arm was well-equipped to manage a variety of events, ranging from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. Whether it was a backyard party or a corporate event, the Blackstrap BBQ team brought the same level of passion and quality to the catering services as was evident in their restaurant operations.
Tailored Catering Services
Blackstrap BBQ offered a comprehensive catering menu that was adaptable to different event requirements. With prior notice, they provided specialized services like pig roasts, which were a crowd-pleaser at many gatherings. Their readiness to tailor the menu and services ensured a memorable BBQ experience at every event they catered to.
Menu Highlights
Signature BBQ Dishes
The ‘Pork Ribs Full Rack’, ‘Beef Brisket (1lb)’, and ‘Pulled Pork (1lb)’ were among the signature dishes that kept patrons coming back for more. These dishes were a testament to the authentic American BBQ tradition, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail that was characteristic of Blackstrap BBQ.
Celebrated Flavors
The hallmark of Blackstrap BBQ’s main dishes was the depth of flavours achieved through slow cooking and the use of a mix of traditional rubs like the Memphis Rib Rub. The smoky, tender and deeply complex flavours of the meats were further enhanced with the accompaniment of BBQ sauces and rubs.
Sides
A notable side at Blackstrap BBQ was the Martin’s Potato Rolls, perfect for sandwiching BBQ meats or simply enjoyed on the side. They could also be found online for those looking to recreate the BBQ experience at home. Additionally, the sliced pickles offered a tangy crunch that balanced the rich BBQ flavours. Another comforting option was the Martin’s Potato Bread, making the BBQ meal at Blackstrap BBQ or a BBQ Martin-themed gathering at home, a truly hearty and satisfying experience.
Sauces and Rubs
The BBQ Sauce and the Memphis Style Dry Rub were more than just accompaniments; they were integral to the Blackstrap BBQ experience. These meticulously crafted sauces and rubs added layers of flavour, elevating the BBQ dishes to a gastronomic delight.
Beverages and More
To complement the hearty BBQ fare, Blackstrap BBQ offered a curated selection of beverages. The selection included beers like ‘Cactus NEIPA’, and a range of wines such as ‘Vini Be Good “Chenin Cœur de Loup” 2019’, ‘Poderi Cellario “È Bianco” 2019’, ‘Tenuta Migliavacca “Vino Rosso” 2019’, and ‘Domaine des 2 Ânes “Premier Pas” 2018’. Each beverage was selected for its ability to pair well with the robust BBQ flavours, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.
Other Notable BBQ Spots in Verdun and Beyond
Although Blackstrap BBQ is no longer around, BBQ enthusiasts in Verdun still have some quality options nearby:
- Memphis Montreal BBQ – This restaurant on Rue Wellington specializes in authentic Memphis-style barbecue. Known for their dry rub ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. They smoke their meats with apple and cherry wood.
- South Shore Bar-B-Q – Located in NDG on Rue Sherbrooke, they serve up Texas-style BBQ. Try their smoked brisket, fried chicken, and homemade sides like baked beans.
- Smokehouse Barbecue – This Ville-Émard spot offers Carolina-style BBQ. Their specialties are smoked chicken and sausages. Enjoy a backyard patio setting.
- Grumman ’78 – Just across the river in Montreal’s East End, they serve up authentic Texas-style barbecue. Brisket, ribs, and sausage links are smoked to perfection.
- Broue Pub Brouhaha – This brewpub in the Sud-Ouest borough has BBQ nights every Thursday. Featuring smoked meats along with a great craft beer selection.
For those willing to travel further, Alberta’s Calgary Trail BBQ in Lachine brings authentic southern BBQ to Montreal with smoker-cooked meats, ribs, and chicken.