The South Portlander: Dining

The old-fashioned butcher shop has been modernized at the Meat House, a gourmet grocer that recently opened in Mill Creek Plaza.
Maine natives Justin Parent and Jason Rosberg are carving a niche in South Portland, with their selection of beef, fine wines, micro beers and cheeses. The store also sells steak, lamb, pork, chicken, veal, roasts and marinated meat tips.
Chris Carragher, director of field marketing with the Meat House, corresponded with me earlier this summer about his company’s approach to selling meats and catering to customers.
Q. What is the concept behind the Meat House?
A. Both Justin and Jason come from a restaurant background, with management experience at the Weathervane Restaurants. Justin went on to work at Bear Stearns (investment company), after getting his MBA. The two friends then decided to utilize their experience with the restaurant industry on the retail side by creating a high-end butcher shop that really caters to the customer.
The staff is trained and knowledgeable and approachable. They will walk customers through the process of buying ingredients and fixing a restaurant-style meal at home, from preparing a particular steak to pairing it with a nice bottle of wine.
Q. Tell me about the meat products you sell.
A. First and foremost, out cuts are choice or higher, which are the best quality meats you can buy. We sell choice and prime meats that you may not readily find at a big-box grocery store. We really offer a product mix. We are like the old-fashioned butcher shop, with everything from traditional sirloin to marinated turkey tips to exotic meats, like rattle snake or ostrich, though you need to phone in advance so we can get it for you.
There also is almost a cult following of people who have fallen in love with our marinated meats, particularly the steak, turkey and chicken tips. We have a whole line of marinade that ranges from cilantro lime to the house marinade light Italian, with a hint of pepper and mustard seed. We use an air-tight, stainless-steel machine we call a tumbler to infuse the meat with the sauce.
Q. Is the Meat House a “guy” store?
A. We like to think our store appeals to everyone. In fact, 60 percent of our customers are women. But it’s interesting to note that the percentage of women shoppers at grocery store chains is even higher.
Q. What are your personal favorites at the Meat House?
A. I love our Cowboy Steaks, which are big pieces of steak with a bone protruding out of it. The bone adds to the flavor.

Comments

By annie on 2008 08 08