We've already discussed local sources of real and good food, and frankly, I've already mentioned Gaucho Ranch. But I have them on the brain a bit, and I thought I'd talk more about them.
Gaucho Ranch is a purveyor of quality meat from properly raised and handled animals. The establishment mostly sells beef, but they also stock free range chicken from Pennsylvania, eggs from free range chickens, pork from "organic" pig farms in upstate New York, and various "organic" sausages. The beef comes from ranges in Uruguay.
The founder of Gaucho Ranch is Pablo Liberato, an Argentinian who worked in "marketing" in New York, until he got the idea to start his own meat business. So he moved here, started importing from the pampas of Uruguay, and sold wholesale to discriminating restaurants. Eventually, he figured out there's a retail market for him, and he opened the "store" to the public.
I say "store" because good luck finding it. Let me make it easier: it's at 7251 NE 2nd Avenue. Just north of the MacArthur Dairy. The building, if you can see it inside the security fence, is clearly marked: 7251. Now find it. Here, it's "Loft 113." In the back. Way in the back. If you think you're lost, call Pablo at 305-609-8075. I know exactly where it is, and I've passed it myself.
Here's Gaucho Ranch's deal. The food is excellent. They have lots of cuts of beef, and an assortment of the rest of the stuff. They also sell nice barbeque set-ups and equipment, seasonings, and mate'. Why they're big on mate' is beyond me. I guess South Americans like it. And they sell mate' gourds and straws. If you're a mate' aficionado, or you just like it, then you know more about it than I do. And the decor is very engaging. Lots of posters and paraphernalia related to South America. And Gaucho Ranch trinkets. And Pablo is a super nice guy. Very welcoming.
They also sell their own, homemade chimichurri. The green one is top notch. I recently bought some steaks there, and they were pre-marinated in their new red chimichurri sauce. Get the green one. It's better.
So in this sense, Gaucho Ranch is a meat market; a butcher shop, with all the meat pre-packaged and frozen. It's not cheap (not as expensive as Proper Sausages, though), but you won't be sorry. Very good food. And from real animals that didn't spend most of their lives miserable, unhealthy, and stressed out.
But here's the other thing about Gaucho Ranch. They do tastings. You should get on the list, if you want to know about them. You can call Pablo, send him an e-mail to pablo@gauchoranch.com, or go on their website: www.gauchoranch.com. (They'll also e-mail you the weekly deal, which is anywhere from 20% to 50% off whatever Pablo would like you to try.) The last time I went to a tasting, I went with Chuck and Roxy Ross. The cost was $25 a person, and it was at night. They have an expert grillmaster, Javier Costa, who serves wonderfully seasoned and marinated beef, perfectly cooked, and it's all you can eat. But we also had all we could eat of handmade cheese, made by a friend of Pablo's whose cheese shop is in the area, and all the wine we could drink. When we were there, there were probably five kinds of cheese, all terrific and very fresh, and one kind of wine. If you love it, which we did, you can buy a bottle to take home, which we also did. They also provide all you can eat of grilled vegetables.
These days, when everyone wants to eat right, and buy organics, we shouldn't forget the extra value of meat from properly handled animals. Not only do you feel better, because the animals are treated humanely, but it tastes better, too. And it's less toxic. Do yourself a favor. Check out Gaucho Ranch. As I said, you won't be sorry.
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