Now that we are past Thanksgiving, it’s time to start planning for upcoming holiday parties and holiday family dinners. What really gets people excited is seeing a beautiful roast in the center of the dining room table. To get ready, I recently visited Huntington Meats at The Original Farmers Market.
Huntington Meats opened in 1986 and they are a true old-fashioned butcher shop. They are experts at carving, storing, aging and preparing meat. These are not the same people you find behind the meat counter at your local grocery store.
The meat cases appeared like a veritable butcher’s “Greatest Hits”. Kobe Tri-Tip, Kruse Smoked Ham, Kurobuta Pork Chops, Duroc Pork Center Cut Pork Chops, USDA Prime Tomahawk Ribeyes, and Prime Spencer Steaks to name a few.
Trimming a special order roast
The wall behind the counter contains a story in itself. Buffalo, Elk, Wild Boar, Venison, Suckling Pig and Rabbit are sourced from Broadleaf Meats and Daily’s Thick Sliced Center Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon are available for sale.
In 2005, The LA Times published a story which featured the perfect hamburger by famed chef Nancy Silverton. Since that story ran, the recipe has been a mainstay in many Southern California homes. I was surprised to find Nancy’s Blend pre-mixed in their meat case and it was only $4.99 / lb.
Huntington Meats is located in a tourist destination. Despite that fact, their prices are quite reasonable and priced for the local residents. Duroc Center Cut Pork Chops were $6.99 / lb and Harris Ranch Prime Boneless Chuck Roast was $7.99 / lb. Subjectively looking at the grade and the price of the meat, I’d say that they were well under the prices of the high-end grocery stores.
Grilled Lamb Chops
I’m extremely fortunate because my wife will mostly prepare whatever I purchase. I purchased a rack of lamb and I got lucky. That night, she placed the meat in an olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and minced fresh rosemary marinade and grilled them. I found the lamb chops to be fresh and full of flavor.
Jim Cascone assumed full ownership of the business in 2015 when his partner passed away. He is a hands-on owner and was working the counter when I visited.
I was curious about how he selected his inventory. Jim responded, “We pride ourselves on carrying product that no other butcher shop carries, and we set and follow trends. For instance, skin on pork is very hot right now in the culinary world, as well as Berkshire Tomahawk pork chops, and we’ve carried those for a while now.”
Holiday Roast with Seasonal Veggies – Photo credit: The Original Farmers Market
I asked him for some suggestions on how I prepare a successful holiday meal and he replied, “Plan ahead. For the main protein dish, purchase the highest quality meat you can afford and cook it properly, being careful not to overcook it.” He added “{Consider} Prime Rib. Super easy. Simply season the meat, put it in the oven at 325 degrees, 18-20 minutes per pound, and you let it roast until it reaches 125 degrees internal temp for medium. Let it rest for 20 minutes and it’s ready to slice and serve.”
Huntington Meats assumed ownership of nearby merchant Farmers Market Poultry. Customers only need to travel 7 stalls west to find it. They feature free-range chicken fryers, chicken in various marinades (e.g., asada, lemon garlic, Kentucky bourbon), and duck legs and breasts.
Plan ahead for your holiday get-togethers. Visit your butcher and order your roast well in advance of your event That way you will make sure that your event goes as planned. Don’t forget to test your meat thermometer, it can be the difference between a dry and a moist roast.
Huntington Meats
The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
huntingtonmeats.com