As we spread the word about the amazing foods that we will offer at The Meat Market, I am reminded that many people don’t have a direct experience in their past of shopping at a butcher shop, or of the assistance that a butcher can offer them in terms of meal planning, cooking instruction, and even shopping within a budget. For these people, the advantages of such an amenity are mysterious, and they may even have arguments against the necessity of such a shop in the era of the supermarket. I will use the next few postings to attempt to explain the whys and offer another perspective against the why nots.

Ten Promises

1.  PROVENANCE: We will know exactly where our meat comes from and be proud to tell you all about the farm, the animals raised, and the farmers who raise them.

2. AGING: We will know how long the meat has been hung, and be happy to hang it longer for you if you ask.

3. COUNSEL: We will advise you on the right cuts for particular dishes, and give you as much assistance as you desire in the preparation of those dishes. We will help you select cuts and offer cooking instruction to match any budget.

4. TASTE: We will encourage sampling and prepare a small taste of the meat you are purchasing so you can taste what you are bringing home.

5. SOURCING: We will order special things for you, and do custom preparations with some notice, so that you can create the dishes you long for.

6. SERVICE: We will prepare the cuts of meat to your specifications, and grind meat to order.

7. PACKAGING: We will not pre-pack our meat, and advise you how to store it once you get it home.

8.  ARTISANAL: We will make a variety of our own fresh sausage and cured meats. We will have a brine tub, and a smoker.

9. CULINARY: We will make a variety of stocks, stews, and demi glace, as well as ready to cook meals such as pot-pies and soups for when you are too busy to cook.

10. HOSPITALITY: We will create a friendly, clean, and welcoming environment with happy professionals ready to assist you.

(the list is modified from the very helpful list in The River Cottage’s Meat Book, by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall)

Shopping for food should be a wonderful experience. The Meat Market will be a meeting place, a place of discussion, of wonderful aromas, and of tasting. We seek to reconnect people to their food through flavor, texture, and sense of place that eating perfectly raised, properly aged, and expertly cut meat makes possible.