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| - I ended up at The Meat Shop because I was simply frustrated with buying meat at the local grocery store, cooking it, and then hating what I cooked because the meat was too tough. Simply put, I was tired of wasting good money on crappy food. (Um, I'm a pretty darn good cook, in case you're wondering.) Realizing that I really don't know how to choose meat, I decided to go to an actual butcher shop and hope for the best....
After three visits, there aren't enough compliments I could ever give this establishment. The first time I went there, this lovely woman helped me pick out some wonderful beef sirloin tip for stir fry and pork hock to make some delicious Filipino-style stew (munggo and sinigang in case you're wondering). I've never been to an actual butcher shop, so to talk to someone who understood what I needed (and what I was trying to avoid) was really helpful. Plus, she was a woman, which to me was a big PLUS! During that trip, I also pre-ordered some pork belly.
Well, after making some incredible dishes with the meat, I was so pleased with how everything turned out. While I love to cook, I don't always eat everything I make. I get bored with my cooking. Since I made a large pot of two different stews, I thought for sure I was going to have to throw a small party or let the food go to waste because I was just too bored to eat it.
Um. I was wrong.
Though each pot last me quite a few days, I pretty much ate everything to the very last bite. After that, I realized that the quality of meat really makes the difference. The pork hock was perfect for the stews. I loved the sirloin tip for stir fry. Grass fed beef doesn't need a long cooking time and it tastes so much better than what I've previously had from Costco and other grocery stores. Finally, the pork belly was amazing! Note: It's best to order in advance so you're guaranteed to have it.
Finally, the people that work there are so helpful and friendly. Both women that I've encountered really knew their stuff and took the time to show me different meat options for what I was going to cook. Also, there was a wonderful gentleman who checked in with me and asked me how my dishes turned out. (I swear I'll get their names next time.) Every time I leave, I'm always excited and inspired to cook my next series of dishes. For me, coming here is definitely worth the trip!
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