A Cut Above: Why You Should Be Shopping at Your Local Butcher

Photo: Alana Dimou

You can’t match the versatility and friendly service of a neighbourhood butcher. In partnership with the Australian Butchers Guild, here are four reasons to visit the experts in their field (or is that paddock?).

Not so long ago, the neighbourhood butcher – along with the greengrocer, deli and florist – was a weekly shopping staple. These days, we often think of our local butcher only for a festive occasion like getting a ham or turkey for Christmas lunch.

But what about those other special events we celebrate throughout the rest of the year? The date nights, large family feasts, housewarmings and bigger-than-usual Sunday barbie when you want to impress? Butchers can supply you with everything from the perfect cut for a slow-cooked curry to a cut of Wagyu – and with a local specialist comes familiarity, customisation and personalised advice you can’t get anywhere else. Whether you need guidance on which cuts will make your budget stretch further, tips on cooking the perfect lamb chop or specialist cuts you can’t get off the shelf, your local butcher has you covered.

To remind people of the value of the neighbourhood butcher, Meat & Livestock Australia has launched a new series called Comedians & Butchers Talking Meat, where you can watch Aussie comedians head to their local butcher shop for expert advice (and a cheeky giggle). In that spirit, here are four reasons to source your meat directly from the butcher.

Never miss a moment. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter today.
SUBSCRIBE NOW

For on-the-spot customisation

It can be hard to gauge exactly how much meat to buy, especially if you’re trying a new dish or cooking for a larger group. That’s where your local butcher comes in: they can adjust the quantity to suit your needs (and budget). And a pro can carve out just the right kind of cut to fit the occasion and your cooking style – like the expert at Fresh Meats on the Sunshine Coast, who quickly turns a rack of lamb into cutlets for comic Nikki Osborne.

For expertise you won’t find elsewhere

It’s not just tips on cuts and quantity you can get from your local butcher. You might see a steak that looks delicious but not know the best way to cook it. Perhaps you’re after the best cut for a slow-cooked curry or a quick sear on the barbeque. Like Mel Buttle at Meat at Billy’s in Brisbane, you can ask for options. The more you tap into your butcher’s know-how, the more comfortable you’ll feel selecting cuts on your own and cooking them at home.

For special ingredients

Sometimes cheap snags, a loaf of white bread and some tomato sauce does the trick. But if you want your guests to take notice, skip the plain beef sausages and head to your local butcher for combos with more of a wow factor – think a juicy tomahawk, tender lamb racks or flavourful hanger steak.

For diversity to mark the little moments

Even when the stakes are low – like a weeknight dinner on the couch – it’s worth heading to the butcher for ingredients that will make a quick and easy meal sing. Many butchers make their own pies and other pastries, as well as sausages, meat patties and more. You might be looking for skewers or stir-fries you can cook in mere minutes, or more substantial fare that can bask for hours in the slow cooker while you’re off doing other things. And if you simply want some offcuts for your dog or bones to make a great savoury stock, the butcher’s got that too. Whatever the occasion, it’ll be worth it when you whip out that perfectly cooked cut.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia. Shop at your local butcher – some great ones include Marino Meat in Adelaide, Meat at Billy’s in Brisbane, G McBean in Melbourne, Vic’s Meat in Sydney and Barbaro Butchers in Perth.

Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Australian Butchers Guild

Produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Australian Butchers Guild
Learn more about partner content on Broadsheet.

Broadsheet promotional banner