The Butcher

About fifteen minutes from my house is the cutest little store, it's called The Farmhouse Market.  It's not big at all, has random grocery items, but what it does have that keeps me coming is a produce department that is awesome and a meat department, even though it's quite small, that has a butcher that will order you anything you want.  Even better, if you buy in bulk the price goes way down.  And we all know meat isn't getting any cheaper these days, so getting a discount is always a bonus.

It started when I asked if he ever got in beef tongues, he said it wasn't something he normally ordered but he could get it and if I bought a case he could give me a discount.  So thirty pounds of beef tongue were ordered.  Next came 30 pounds of ox tails, and then he mentioned the tenderloins.  I perked up because anyone that's ever eaten beef tenderloin knows how tender and delicious it is, but also how expensive as well.  So when he said grass fed for around $11 per pound I did a happy dance.

My point is, get to know the butcher at your local store and see if they can get specific cuts in bulk for you at a discount.  Also, don't shy away from the little market with the mini meat department, they still have connections to suppliers.  Mr. Beefcake, the butcher at the little market, told me he has several places he buys from so he will call them all and see who is offering the best deal.  He also told me that December and January are the months to really get to know your butcher to score the deals.  People are not barbequing and ordering tons of meat so they like to get that big order during the lean times, passing along even bigger savings.

Also I should mention, he not only said he could get me beef, chicken and pork but also seafood.  So again, ask your butcher.  You don't need 30 pounds of tenderloin all yourself?  Maybe get a few friends together and share the case, you would be amazed at how little 30 pounds really looks like.

So now not only can Arby's say it but now you can say it.... We got the meats!!