The Butcher

A good butcher will hang his meat, do his own smoking and curing, and do special cuts of meat on request. Search out a butcher with the above qualities, and you will be rewarded with fresh, tender and flavoursome meats. For a different family dinner, try veal sweetbreads or braised oxtail.

1. Does he hang his meat? If he does, ask to see the coolroom and ask him to tell you about his meat. If he is a good butcher he will be proud to show you and pleased that his hard work has a potential admirer. If he treats you like an unwelcome tax inspector, buy your meat elsewhere.
2. Does he do his own smoking and curing? If he does, you know you have a butcher who knows his craft and you will be able to learn from him.
3. Will he do special cuts of meat on request? A co-operative butcher makes life as a cook much easier.