Houston Meat

[slkinsey]

I'll be in Houston for holidays at the end of the month, and as usual I'll be doing most of the cooking. In the past I have done a standing rib roast on Christmas Eve, and I'll probably continue that tradition -- but I'd like to be able to get a really nice piece of meat and support a local full-service butcher if possible.

Any recommendations? I'm in the Rice U area (Southside Place), so nearby is always good.

[NewYorkTexan]

Hopefully someone can recommend a full service local butcher, but you are also going to be near Central Market. The folks who work their meat and fish counters are both knowledgeable and passionate. Traits you almost never see in a supermarket, but then again Central Market is no ordinary supermarket. They carry prime and a good quality of choice beef.

If you have not been to Central Market yet, then I would suggest you get your ass there ASAP, it is a cool place.

[slkinsey]

Yea, I've been to central market but I was hoping for a butcher rather than a meat counter in an upscale gourmet supermarket. I think (hope) a butcher could probably give me better quality for a cheaper price, too.

[Dave the Cook]

Real butchers are pretty scarce in Houston, as they are in much of the South, I'm afraid.

It's a drive for you (what isn't in Houston?), but I always had my best luck at the meat counter attached to Perry's in Friendswood (not the better-known branch in Clear Lake). This is where they cut the meat for their restaurants, and there are a couple of real meat guys there, shepherding the teenagers that staff the counter. Decent sausages, lamb and double-cut pork chops, too.

It's been three years since I've been there, so you might want to call first and make sure they're still around.

[jscarbor]

The best Butcher I have found in Houston is at Pete's Fine Meats on Richmond just east of Chimney Rock. If there is something better than them I would like to know.

[slkinsey]

jscarbor, that's just the kind of thing I'm looking for! Thanks!

[FoodMan]

there used to be a pretty decent butcher shop on Murphy road and Lexington. The funny thing is I was looking forward to patronizing his shop when I moved to that area of town and sure enough he closed his place down a few weeks afterwards saying that the place was sold to dentist!! Now there is a dentist's office over there. Actually it is not that funny.

I was under the impression that Pete's was a Deli (not sure why), it's good to know that it is a butcher shop since I am also thinking about doing a standing rib roats for Xmas, depending on how many people are coming. Slkinsey, let us know what you find out if you go there before I do.

Elie

[Motochef]

I have not found a decent butcher shop in Houston. However, I have discovered that the grocery chain, H.E.B., carries UDSA Prime Beef.

HEB, headquartered in Kerrville, TX, has recently opened serveral new and nice markets (called HEB) in the greater Houston area over the last two years. They also own and operate the Central Market. Prior to the new look in Houston, they operated what I considered to be low end grocery stores called HEB Pantry (at least for the most part). However, all of their stores carry the best produce in the city.

Anyway, I order UDSA Prime standing rib roasts from my local HEB store. They normally get it for me in a day or two, and then I dry age it. The last time I purchased, they were charging around $8 or $9 per pound.

My next move, if for some reason I can't get to HEB, is to go to Sam's or COSTCO. Both sell USDA Choice.

Sorry I can't help with a butcher, but I hope this helps with the beef!

Motochef!

[FoodMan]

Anyway, I order UDSA Prime standing rib roasts from my local HEB store. They normally get it for me in a day or two, and then I dry age it. The last time I purchased, they were charging around $8 or $9 per pound.

I do not mean to stray from the topic at hand, but how do you dry age beef at home? I thought you need to buy a very large section in order to dry age it.

Elie

[jscarbor]

I was under the impression that Pete's was a Deli (not sure why), it's good to know that it is a butcher shop since I am also thinking about doing a standing rib roats for Xmas, depending on how many people are coming.

Elie

Pete's also serves up bbq and sandwiches. The steak/cheese sandwich is good and so are the burgers.

[Dave the Cook]

I do not mean to stray from the topic at hand, but how do you dry age beef at home? I thought you need to buy a very large section in order to dry age it.

This thread has some information, and a link to the Good Eats episode that discusses home aging.

[MarkinHouston]

I can corroborate the nomination of Pete's Fine Meats; it is definitely the best full-service butcher shop in Houston. But you really need to take a walk through Central Market anyway, so stop by their meat department as well. Their selections are way above most other meat vendors except Pete's.

[fifi]

For beef I think Pete's is THE place. However, if you are in the mood for pork, take a trip out Bellaire Blvd. (way out) to the big Hong Kong Market at Boone road. I think that is the cross street. Anyway, it is out oast the Beltway. Their pork is amazing. They will even cut that fresh ham off of the whole leg for you to your specifications. Even if you are not after pork, the excursion is worth it just to see the place.

[slkinsey]

Pete's it is, then!

Edited to add: pork place a definite must for next time.

Edited December 5, 2003 by slkinsey (log)

[jscarbor]

If you want something special call ahead and ask if they have it or if they will get it for you.

[slkinsey]

Yea? I would think that a rib roast is pretty standard, no?

[Motochef]

The Good Eats show that Dave the Cook references is an excellent reference for dry aging.

I do a few things differently to include a constant monitoring of meat tray temperature with an inexpensive remote thermometer.

If anyone wants the details about how I do it, just send me an e-mail and I will be happy to respond directly to you (I am trying to keep the thead on-topic).

Motochef!

Edited December 6, 2003 by Motochef (log)

[fifi]

Hey, motochef, have you found any place better for pork than Hong Kong Market? Just checking because I see a piece of pig in my Christmas future.

[Motochef]

Fifi:

I have not found any better place for pork than the Hong Kong Market. However, I rarely drive to the Bellaire location. I typically use the Beemer Road / Scarsdale Road store.

However, if I am buying a cured ham, I look for Smithfield.

[Venado]

Dave,

To answer your question about Perry's: Yes...they are still open, and as busy as ever. They also have another butcher shop at Scarsdale, just off I45. Both sell Angus beef, if that is an interest to anyone, as well as pork like you want it.

And yes, Pete's on Richmond Ave. has been a standard for a lot of folks for years.

Venado

[FoodMan]

Stopped by Pete's for lunch today, that place is great and thanks to all Houston's e-gulleteers for suggesting it. the place really felt like a neiborhood joint and it was pretty busy. I had a steak Hoagie and a bowl of chilli. Very good.

They have literally everything you might want. If it is not in the store they will order it for you. anything from Alligator, to lion, to turtle.

I asked about a standing rib roast for Xmas, they sell prime dry aged beef. I also inquired about lamb leg and fresh pork leg. It is of course recommended to order a week in advance to reserve your meat.

Elie

[slkinsey]

Dude, forget the standing bib roast. I'm making saddle of lion, or... what do you suppose is the chance they have walrus chops back in the walk-in?

[FoodMan]

mmmmmmmmmmm.....walrus chops (a la Homer Simpson's mmmmmmmmmm...pork chops). I'll ask if they have it

Elie

Edited December 11, 2003 by FoodMan (log)

[JPipes]

Other than the massive Central Market (and those guys ain't much help!), where is a good butcher? I'm in the Buffalo Speedway/59 area, but a good butcher might be worth the travel...and traffic.

Do me proud guys, you didn't dissapoint on the breakfast taco recommendations.....

Edited November 29, 2004 by JPipes (log)

[fifi]

I am racking my brain for the name of the shop on Richmond near where you are. Either someone will chime in or I will get past my "senior moment".