Food Review: From Perfect Pizza to Superb Sandwiches

When Jody's Pizza closed their doors after 34 years, I think a little part of me died. The quest for a pie worthy of comparison- consistent quality, generous portions, competitive prices, kind, professional service- continues to elude me. They took such pride in their product that they guaranteed it- if, in 34 years, a customer actually HAD complained, they would have been given a full refund. It never happened.

Irene Jody and her husband Neal had every intention of retiring when they let go of the reigns, leasing out the pizzeria. With their children all grown up, it was time to travel and relax. The pizza legacy had to come to an end before Jody's exhausted arms just gave up and fell off.

Their retirement was short-lived, however, and the small storefront next to the pizzeria started selling ice-cream. To make any profit, a scoop of ice cream had to be so small it would fall into the cone. The venture wasn't exactly lucrative but a summer of heaping scoops and toothless smiles was worth every penny. It wasn't possible long-term though, and if it hadn't been for a steamer hidden in the back corner, sending the aroma of smoked meat throughout the store, Jody's would have closed their doors for the second time. As another summer drew to a close, there was no denying the fate of the business. The nearby residents, many of whom hail from Montreal, couldn't resist the draw of the down-home smoked meat in that little steamer. The ice-cream came and went, and was replaced with a simple kitchen that has successfully catered to the deli-desires of the Beaches triangle since 2006. Not surprisingly, the reputation of the little deli travelled far greater distances than the irresistible smell of that first little steamer.

For Montreal imported beef brisket and more, freshly steamed daily and sliced to order, and fresh homemade salads, visit Jody's. You won't be disappointed.

64 Kingston Rd. (N of Queen St.) 416-698-DELI Open Monday to Saturday 11am-6pm
Catering Available; Meat / Sandwich Platters

Review by Melissa Peters