I've lived in the 11th, 17th, 10th and now 2nd arrondisments and visited at least two butchers per…read moreneighborhood as well as the meat cases of innumerable Monoprixes, Casinos, Marché Us, and Franprixes.
After all this experience, Tribolet is my go to butcher.
First and foremost, the quality of the meat is excellent. I live down the street and see the daily delivery of whole carcasses. My husband is constantly saying things like, Where'd you get the lamb chops? They're fantastic! and This bacon is so gooooood!
Secondly, they have a broad, comprehensive selection. Whole carcasses means that I can get the cut of meat for which I'm searching. Beef brisket for making corned beef? No problem! Wild game in season - rabbit, pig, pheasants, ducks, quail, etc. Charcuterie - poitrine fumée (bacon to Americans), boudin noir, saucisson sec, merguez, jamon, etc.
Third, the service is patient, courteous and personable. I don't speak much French and they don't speak any English beyond chicken (I suppose due to all of the tourists who buy the poulet roti?), but even if it's painful and takes 3x as long, they'll patiently ask questions and pantomine until they understand what it is I'd like and how I'd like it. I also get complimented profusely for every new French word I use (talk about incentive!)
I also appreciate that I can come in and tell them that I have no idea what to cook and they'll make suggestions of what to cook (often low cost options) AND give tips on how they'd prepare it. In other words, recipes! I've even gotten recommendations on what sides to serve. It's like taking a mini French cooking class.
They're also quite skilled, so your meat is trimmed properly (no little bone chunks and enough fat for braising meats to really get tender). The fact that I can get really specific about how and how much I want something prepped saves me time in the kitchen.
Finally, while some cuts are on the expensive side, some items can be cheaper than the lesser quality version at Monoprix. They also have a EUR4.80 roasted chicken that is just the right size for two people (quite small) with enough left over to make soup. That's the cheapest price I've seen for poulet roti on Montorgueil.
Of special note: They stock specialty items for holidays - for example, turkeys & chapon at Christmas.
