I've recently become a fan of halal meats, not initially understanding the term except that it was in some way "better" than meat I would get at a regular grocery store. Halal is a term used to describe meat that has been slaughtered according to strict Islamic law. Among other things, the animal was not dead prior to slaughtering, and the death was observed in order to make it a "proper" death, as quick and painless as possible.
Now, as someone who has read Fast Food Nation, and yet still wants to eat meat I am under a conundrum because really the only way to do it right is to do it yourself, but for those of us who don't have the time (and let's be honest, the inclination) to go kill something everytime I want some meat, I'd like to do my best to support healthy animal welfare and minimize their suffering as much as possible.
Anyway, so fast forward to the actual review:
This market is smaller than Albaraka's on Hillsborough, but the nice part is that they have a glassed in butcher's room where you can dictate what type of meat you want, and have them dice it just the way you want. The cashier was very friendly about explaining my different options for lamb. I bought a leg of lamb, chose the front leg so as to commit to buying less, and got something like 2.7 pounds for $15. I think lamb is $5.20/lb versus $4.99 at Albaraka's, but at least the lamb selection of meat in the freezer is all meat, and not mixed meat and meat on bone (which significantly decreases the amount of useable meat unless you're after marrow or soup bones.)
I specifically appreciated the large list of possible options, and for those who are a fan of offal, come here.
Other than that, twas a nifty little experience. They had some cool other products (check out the weird drink in the cooler with the little basil seeds floating in it) but were out of pita that day. I'll definitely come here for my meat, and perhaps save Albaraka's for rabbit and pita. read more
