It is so funny how the mind works. I've never really needed a plumber or an accident lawyer, so I don't really pay attention to the commercials. But if ever I do, I'm sure a jingle I've subconsciously heard for years will pop into my head instantly. In the same way, passing a brick n' mortar business for years can also get stuck in your head.
[ THE SCENE ]
Butcher shops were commonplace growing up as a kid in my hometown of Chicago. Our family favored buying "freezer deals", which was enough meat to fill our 6-foot long deep freezer with a 6 month vacuum sealed supply. But families don't cook as often as they did when I was a kid and butcher shops have nearly become extinct, most people preferring the convenience of a grocery store chain.
My mom is in town, and she asked if I could find pork ribs & tips at a butcher shop. I've been thinking about trying my hand at making stewed oxtails, so her request was timely. Although I've never shopped at the Meat Man before, he was the first butcher to come to mind since I've passed his place for nearly two decades. So I called to make sure he was still in business, and after receiving confirmation, proceeded to drive to the location.
However, my mind remembered a different location and I had to call back for the 'new' location. "Yeah, the city took that store from me" he replied when I asked if my memory was correct on his previous location.
I arrived feeling confident and said, "So how long have you been here?" thinking it was a recent move.
"13 years" he said, as another customer burst into laughter. I had to laugh as well, but in my mind it really didn't seem like 13 years had passed since I saw his sign outside the old location just a few clicks away. Again, it is so funny how the mind works, but he was grateful I remembered him at all.
[ THE EXPERIENCE ]
It reminded me of the butcher shops of old. Nothing fancy, a little worn down, but friendly service and GREAT meats! On the shelves were a few grocery items and in the freezers were some frozen veggies.
The owner carefully trimmed off the excessive amount of fat on the oxtails and cut the tips off our St. Louis pork ribs... a Chicago tradition. He then cut the tip into pieces as I listened with kid-like excitement to the band saw make quick work of the meats. If you've never had rib tips, you are missing out on a great BBQ delicacy.
What impressed me the most was even though I bought an entire ox tail, he didn't weigh it for pricing until after he'd trimmed the fat... which was probably more than a pound. I really appreciated the honesty of that, especially since I assumed, I would be charged.
He wrapped each item and had them ready lightning fast. I honestly didn't even notice him wrap the ribs & tips.
[ FINAL THOUGHTS ]
I left the Meat Man feeling a tad guilty that I'd never shopped there before. It was an incredible feel good experience to not only support such a local business, but also brought back a little nostalgia from my youth. I have googled a recipe for Jamaican-style oxtails and plan to cook them today while my mom makes her family favorite ribs, potato salad, mac n' cheese and creamed corn. She wants to show off her 74 years of cooking skills for Mother's Day... and I'm not going to argue otherwise!!!
2019/73 read more