TORONTO, July 23, 2025 — Hey Toronto food lovers, mark your calendars—something delicious is heading your way, and it’s only here for a single day. On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 4 PM to 8 PM, legendary Montreal institution Schwartz’s Deli will be taking over Avenue Diner (222 Davenport Rd) for a special one-night-only pop-up, courtesy of WeCook, Canada’s premier ready-to-eat meal delivery service.
This unique collaboration, aptly named Schwartz’s Deli by WeCook, brings a taste of Montreal’s most famous smoked meat to the heart of Toronto. But it’s more than just a pop-up, it’s an immersive (that dreaded word of the year) culinary experience designed to celebrate Canada’s food culture and offer Torontonians an exclusive preview of two limited-edition dishes that will soon be available on the WeCook platform.
Smoked Meat, Reimagined
At the helm of this delicious collaboration is Chef Gabriel Drapeau, WeCook’s Executive Chef and former head of the acclaimed Joe Beef Group. Drapeau has taken Schwartz’s world-renowned smoked meat and reimagined it in creative, crave-worthy ways that reflect both tradition and innovation.
Attendees of the pop-up will be treated to two signature dishes, priced at just $5 each:
- Smoked Meat Poutine (available on WeCook’s Week of August 17 menu, open for pre-order starting July 21)
- Smoked Meat Bolognese Pasta (available on the Week of August 24 menu, open for pre-order starting July 28)
And yes, Chef Drapeau himself will be cooking on-site, serving up both dishes hot and fresh at the Avenue Diner. With limited seating and a first-come, first-served policy, this is one pop-up you won’t want to show up late for.
From St-Laurent to Toronto: A Legendary Legacy
Founded in 1928, Schwartz’s Deli is a cornerstone of Montreal’s culinary identity. Its smoked meat sandwich—made with brisket that’s been dry-cured for 10 days with a secret blend of spices—is a rite of passage for locals and tourists alike. The deli’s wood-fired smoker and tightly guarded recipe have helped it endure as a cultural icon, with everyone from Leonard Cohen to Céline Dion counted among its fans.
Bringing Schwartz’s to Toronto, even just for a day, is no small event. It’s an opportunity for fans who haven’t had the privilege of making the trek to Montreal to finally experience what all the fuss is about; or for longtime devotees to taste something familiar in an exciting new form.
WeCook: Taking Meal Delivery to a New Level
While WeCook has made its name as Canada’s fastest-growing prepared meal delivery service, the brand has recently set its sights on elevating everyday dining with gourmet collaborations like this one. With a focus on fresh, chef-made meals using local ingredients, WeCook aims to offer busy Canadians high-quality food without the prep time or compromise.
This Schwartz’s partnership is a bold step in that direction. By taking something iconic and making it accessible—both through this one-day pop-up and its upcoming menu offerings—WeCook is redefining what’s possible in the ready-to-eat space.
Just the Details at a Glance:
- What: Schwartz’s Deli by WeCook Pop-Up
- When: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 4–8 PM
- Where: Avenue Diner, 222 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 1J6
- Cost: $5 per dish (smoked meat poutine & smoked meat bolognese)
- How: First come, first served—no reservations
- Bonus: Try before you buy—the dishes will be available on WeCook’s menu in August
Why It Matters
Beyond the novelty and nostalgia, events like these highlight the growing intersection of local tradition and modern convenience. They also demonstrate how meal delivery services are evolving—not just providing sustenance, but telling stories through food and creating connections between regions and communities.
Whether you’re a die-hard Schwartz’s devotee or simply curious to taste what happens when two culinary powerhouses collaborate, this is a delicious piece of Canadiana you won’t want to miss.
For more information or to pre-order the featured meals starting July 21, visit WeCook’s website.
TOtimes.ca
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