[Prizmz]

Is there a good butcher shop or counter anywhere near TV? We really miss the wonderful market we had up North.

[aln]

Belleview meats has good stuff but not cheap.
Right on 441 near Belleview Pizza (also good).

[beady]

I am also looking for good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Maybe fresh market will carry those items. Hopefully

[redwitch]

Beady, find someone who lives close to a Trader Joe's or goes by one on the way down here. Beg them to pick you up Trader Joe's Balsamic vinegar and EVOO. The absolute best!

[REDCART]

The quality of meat is somewhat subjective. My neigbors and I have commented that the meat from Sweet Bay tends to be better than Publix but I can't say that there's no better meat out there. George

[renielarson]

Trader Joe's is the first runner up to Whole Foods, IMHO. But, there's no Whole Foods Market nor Trader Joes in TV. I'm hoping, too, that Fresh Market will be comparable to their selections of organic, natural, healthy, and bulk products.

However, when it comes to wild caught fish, I haven't found any market with better products or prices than Trader Joes. Again, I'm anxiously waiting for Fresh Market to open with hopes their fish will be of the same high quality and low price.

[zcaveman]

There is also a butcher in Wildwood that has been recommended.

Personally, I have no problems with Publix or Albertson except for the size of the cuts. You would think that the butchers around the Villages would know that there are usually two to a household and we just don't eat that much!!

[renielarson]

zcaveman

That's why we have what's called a "freezer." You know? Comes included with the fridge.

1rnfl

[beady]

Good suggestion Redwitch.

If that fails I plan on stocking up when I go back to NH this summer, good thing I am driving so I don't have to split it up into 3 oz bottles....... : :

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by brightspot01

Trader Joe's is the first runner up to Whole Foods, IMHO. But, there's no Whole Foods Market nor Trader Joes in TV. I'm hoping, too, that Fresh Market will be comparable to their selections of organic, natural, healthy, and bulk products.

This link from the past gives some information about Whole Foods and Fresh Markets. I agree, Bright, best meats and poultry are from Whole Foods, although I don't buy red meats very often, but the poultry and fish are great!

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/sm....html#msg14083

[gemorc]

I use the Wildwood Meat Market. At least I think that is it's the name. The store is on 301, just south of the Wildwood Mall. It is on the east side of 301. The store doesn't look like much from the curb, but I have been extremely happy with both product and service.

The store carries a plentiful supply of beef, pork, and poultry. The owner is the butcher, and he will cut any piece of meat to your order. He also carries the largest supply of BBQ products that I have seen in this area. I use my smoker and gas barbecue, probably too much, and the market supplies all my requests. I like to use special cuts of brisket, and Boston Butts. He will also trim the spare ribs to my liking.

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by brightspot01

zcaveman

That's why we have what's called a "freezer." You know? Comes included with the fridge.

1rnfl

I have a freezer. My problem is when they have porterhouse/t-bones steaks on sale they are 1.5-2.5 lbs. I want two that are .75 to 1 lb. I seperate chicken pieces, cut roasts in half and divide up the ground beef into two people packages.

[uujudy]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

I have a freezer. My problem is when they have porterhouse/t-bones steaks on sale they are 1.5-2.5 lbs. I want two that are .75 to 1 lb. I seperate chicken pieces, cut roasts in half and divide up the ground beef into two people packages.

Where do you keep your freezer? Is there space in the houses for a freezer? You wouldn't keep it in the garage, would you? It would be running non-stop? :dontknow:

[zcaveman]

I have an Amarillo and had the AC handler, etc put in the garage so I have room next to the washer /dryer for a chest freezer. My freezer is 35X22. Although there is room for a standard sized one.

[uujudy]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

I have an Amarillo and had the AC handler, etc put in the garage so I have room next to the washer /dryer for a chest freezer. My freezer is 35X22. Although there is room for a standard sized one.

That is such a good idea! I'm a freezer person, and I've been wondering where the freezer would go in some of the houses I've seen. I buy in bulk and separate the food into meal-sized packages, so I've been wondering if I'll have to learn how to shop and cook a different way when we move to TV.
On the other hand... there are SO many good restaurants, maybe nobody in TV cooks? 040 040 040