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Remember before March 15th, 2020, when lunch meant exploring excellent restaurants near the office or sharing homemade goodies with colleagues in our buzzing cafeteria? Fast-forward to July 2020, amid global chaos, I decided to spice things up by creating The Lunch Pro website, originally known as The Lunch Channel.
More than four years later, a simple side dish of recipes and reviews became a full-course meal! I quickly realized that lunch is more than just a midday refuel—it’s a world brimming with stories, flavours, and connections.
At first, I thought I’d keep it simple: share some recipes, write a few reviews, maybe dabble in a vlog. But every time I dug in, more ideas emerged, inspired mainly by my lunchtime escapades. So here we are, inviting you to explore this deliciously diverse lunch topic!
Like many of you, I swapped office chats for WebEx and Zoom calls and began teleworking full-time when the pandemic rolled in. What did I miss the most? The lively lunch breaks with my coworkers! As we tiptoed back into the office in 2021—starting with one day a week and slowly increasing—it wasn’t the same. Staggered schedules and new seating plans often left me dining à la solo.
It hit me that I couldn’t be the only one feeling this way. That’s when the idea for this website started to cook—a place dedicated to all things lunch, inspired by my journey through these changing times.
With this experience in mind, the thought came to me that it is unlikely I am the only person in this situation. The idea to build this website came to me in July 2020 to create a reference site dedicated to the topic of lunch based on my experiences since then.
Lunch has always held a special place in my heart. Beyond the office, it’s about family, friends, and community. I cherish memories of lunches with my grandparents, coming home to Mom’s or our neighbours’ home-cooked meals, and the thrill of school hot dog days. And let’s not forget sneaking off to local eateries with friends!
Growing up in Chomedey, Laval, just north of Montreal, Saturdays were a treat! My friend Stephen and I would catch a flick at Loew’s and then indulge at our favourite spots—Murray’s Restaurant, Woolworth’s Lunch Counter, Howard Johnson’s, or the elegant Eaton’s Ninth Floor Restaurant. Murray’s on Ste-Catherine Street or the Laurentian Hotel was our go-to if we were catching a late show.
Oh, Murray’s Restaurant near Loew’s Cinema—talk about a classic! It’s a place that served not just meals but memories. I’m thrilled to announce a special section on The Lunch Pro dedicated entirely to Murray’s. Expect heartwarming stories, timeless recipes, and perhaps a recreated keepsake from this iconic spot.
Starting in 2020, I longed for regular lunch breaks and the delightful diners of my youth. That’s why The Lunch Pro is all about bringing those experiences home. I will share luncheon dishes you can easily prepare while working from home—reimagined classics with a modern flair. And yes, I’ll sometimes enlist the help of handy gadgets like the Instant Pot to keep things simple!
Embracing the New Work-Life Menu
The Lunch Pro isn’t just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about nourishing your soul in this post-pandemic world. We’ve got tips on teleworking like a pro, creative ways to stay connected, and advice on balancing work with a hearty serving of fun. I’ll also spotlight family lunches and the joys of sharing meals with friends—because life’s too short to lunch alone!
Don’t miss our Lunch Pro Website’s mission statement, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for mouthwatering recipes and delightful throwbacks. Swing by our shop, too—we’ve curated exclusive items that will whisk you back to cherished places and products to help you craft the perfect lunch.
We’d love to hear your lunchtime tales and creative ideas. Comment below, and together, I’ll build a community that celebrates the simple joy of lunch.
Thanks for joining us on this tasty journey!
Jon Simon
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