Monday | April 07, 2008

Lamb,Syrah,Shiraz...I'm Confused

I just can’t stop babbling about the Essex County meal and my obsession with finding local meat.


A couple of weeks ago we ran into the Ewe Dale man at Calabria in Cottam. For some reason he had lamb…….he supplies the lamb to Calabria and I guess its good that he likes his product. I don’t think he really liked my joke about steroids and antibiotics….he knew I was just being sarcastic. He did tell us where the farm was and where to get it.


So Saturday I really wanted to barbeque so we went to Schwab’s in LaSalle. Lo and behold, there was Ewe Dale lamb, so we bought a leg to turn on the barbi and a couple of slabs of ribs (local) for Sunday.


Just some garlic spears, rosemary salt pepper and olive oil. We turned it for 2 hrs and hoovered it. It was just so nice, so much better than New Zealand lamb and better than Alberta. Hey, its close was raised with some love. Not exactly cheap but worth every penny. If you like lamb get some.


 Wine with dinner was a 2004 Liberty School Syrah from Paso Robles. Yes the setting for Sideways… I hated both characters and was happy when Sandra Oh beat that tird with her helmet, Well it was wonderful, full and tannic. It just went so well with the lamb...maybe those Aussies are on to something.


After that we opened an 06 Aleksander Shiraz. These wines were as different as night and day. The Aleksander was lighter and fresher and not tannic like the other. We both really liked it But would it have been better with the lamb...maybe not but it was so good.


Now, here is m rant. Find a butcher and bug him/her. Get them to buy locally produced meat and produce and DISPLAY the fact proudly. Hell, if Mark hadn’t told us where all the meat was from I would assume it came in vacuum bags. Hell, he even butchers the meat too!! So find a butcher and bug em...you pay for the privilege.


The new Paesano’s gets it. They proudly display where the meat came from...most is local so that is good. I’m glad to see them back as I liked the old store and the new one is much better…...I am happy and I like the signs….guess I don’t have to bug them too much.


So bag the 100 mile meal and have the Essex County meal....it can be done.


Posted by jim small at 21:17:00 | Permanent Link | Comments (5) |
Comments
1 - So about this local meat supply... Know anywhere in Windsor that stocks it? I've been to the Schawbs at Tecumseh & Lincoln without much luck.

It's just me, but I refuse to shop retail in the 'burbs. I'm looking for a local shop in town or purchasing direct from the farm is an option too that I would explore.

My wife and I did visit Alexsander this weekend too. I had the 2006 Shiraz last night with some fresh steaks purchased from Wagner Estate Winery.
 (Comment this)

Written by: Andrew at 2008/04/08 - 10:09:04
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2 - Andrew, I find its rather hit and miss but try a real butcher as that is your best hope. I find that you have to ask. The butcher seems to like being asked and the taste is worth the bother. I guess I should compile a directory of some sources. I undestand that the fellow in Leamington is quite good (not in the burbs too!)

I've had the steak from Wagner and its really good.. try the ground beef...great for pasta sauce (Comment this)

Written by: jim small at 2008/04/08 - 19:06:49 in reply to: 1
3 - Thanks Jim. That Berkshire is hard to find. I've struck out everywhere in the city limits.

I'll try the Ground next time. The steaks were excellent. (Comment this)

Written by: Andrew at 2008/04/09 - 13:17:21
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4 - Andrew, its tough tough but worth it

try http://www.blackbowfarms.com/index.php which is the website for Berkshire pork..that may help you..lists producers

good luck!!! and if you can find boar let me know!!

jim (Comment this)

Written by: jim small at 2008/04/09 - 19:54:02
5 - Stop the presses! Paesano's? ..the east end? Jim...you went to the east end? How unlike you. I thought everything in Windsor was west of Walker Road? You said that for years. (Comment this)

Written by: (the real) allenparkpete at 2008/04/14 - 09:22:42
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