Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Specialty Butcher Shops in Seattle

I just wanted to give my 2 cents on specialty, small independant butchers around town. I have been to Bill the Butcher in Woodinville, Sandpoint Way and Madison Valley and he has great quality meats. He has a nice selection of aged meats and specialty cuts. The Swinery in West Seattle is great when it comes to anything from the "PIG", hence the name. I have always loved A&J meats on Queen Anne and that to me is a great representation of a true Butcher. My other favorite and one that is not as known to the residential cook but held most high in fine-dining establishment, is Select Gourmet in Kenmore, WA. If you blink, you might miss it but don't! You will find all of your favorite delicacies from homemade sausages merguez- real chorizo to foie gras, duck fat, duch legs, marrow bones, quail, phesant, the most amazing bacon, waygu beef, rib-eye's to die for. You can also get things for a picnic on your way to St.Edwards Park. Oh and if you are ever passing through Cle Elem don't forget to stop at Owen's Meats, another favorite for all cuts of meat and the jerky is hands down the best! Don and Joe's at the Pike Place Market will always be revered as most high on my list of true butcher's and the place I will always reserve my Prime Rib or Filet tenderloin roast for Christmas dinner. Overall they all have their strengths but when it comes to great quality, a one on one relationship with a true butcher and hands-down great tasting meat, you can't go wrong with all of the aforementioned.