The traditional butcher shop is nearly extinct. Pre-wrapped meat sold at mega-chain supermarkets are the only choices in many communities. Fortunately, there are a few butcher shop hold-outs. I searched high and low for an online directory of butcher shops to include in this post. I couldn't find one. If you know of one, please send me the link.
Indianapolis has a couple good shops. Klemm' German Sausage and Meat Market (315 E. South Street) specializes, as indicated in their store name, sausages.
When I want something special I hit Kincaid's Meat Market (5605 N. Illinois Street). Last Christmas, I special-ordered a 12 pound standing rib roast. It was an amazing cut of meat. Yesterday I stopped by for six pounds of stew meat. I also impulse-bought some turkey legs (my version of Hunkar Beendi, aka Sultan's Delight coming soon).
I love this place. It's a real throw-back to yester-year. The staff is knowledgeable, and customer-focused. Most prices are higher than what you would pay at the big grocery store but the quality is far superior. More often than not, I succumb to the convenience factor and buy grocery store meats but when I want something extra special I hit Kincaid's.
If you are wondering what I'm doing with 6 pounds of stew meat, I'm making three batches of Irish Stew. I'm doing a little R&D for an upcoming Lebanon Reporter column. Two of three batches will be delivered this weekend to two friends who have recently had babies. Our small group from church is experiencing a baby boom and the rest of us gang up to feed them their first few days home. We were recipients of this just a couple of weeks ago after we brought home Oliver.
I love your Blog! I always find something great and local here that brings memories smack-dab into my face. I grew-up walking in and out of the shops at 56th/Ill. One of my best friends "Uncle/Aunt" used to own Kincaid's. It is a multi-generational store. Not many people know about it. Family Businesses are few and far between. Ahhh the stories I could write. I have in the past... perhaps I will again. I will forward this post on to my friends. I know it will bring a smile as it did to me. Hope that Babe is doing well!
Posted by: Sallie | February 18, 2005 at 09:22 AM
The kids at church LOVE BibleMan. We have several of the video's in our Library. Thanks for the head's up on the concert.
We LOVE small groups. It is such a nice way to really get to know people. And what a nice way to show Christian Love.
Posted by: Linda | February 18, 2005 at 09:50 AM
I also enjoy Kincaid's. I think one reason for the slightly higher prices is that they only purchase hormone free meat. If you compare their prices to other vendors of hormone free meats, you will find that they are actually less expensive than many of the big chain stores that specialize in the same sort of product.
Posted by: kj | August 21, 2008 at 05:24 PM