New Year’s Eve resolutions come and go. While the vow to try new things endures, the possibilities are becoming ever more diverse for those looking to expand their horizons beyond beef, chicken, and pork.
The Butcher Shoppe’s Marc Zahra welcomes the opportunity to propose some intriguing ideas including: kangaroo, elk and buffalo. His Pocono Lake store has been offering exotic meats, as well as prime beef cuts such as rib-eye, strip and porterhouse steak, for over 40 years.
Fans of this flavorful fare make sure to stop at the shop when meal planning and entertaining. Pocono Mountains visitors and second home owners are so captivated by these rarities that they even place orders in advance to be frozen for their return to the city!
Alongside wife Debbie, Marc describes the major pitfall in grilling delicacies like ostrich tenderloin, wild boar burgers and venison strip loin. With less than 3% fat, he cautions, “Don’t overcook them as they will dry out.”
Recommending, “Simple is better,” he also strongly opposes marinating before cooking. “It masks the flavor,” he explains, and suggests instead using a touch of extra virgin olive oil along with a light coating of kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, and granulated garlic before searing.
For all those seeking to enhance their culinary creativity this year, The Butcher Shoppe offers a chance to purchase unique eats and gain insight on how to cook and enjoy them. Of course, if the New Year’s Resolution fails, it’s also a great place to get beef, chicken, pork, lamb, veal, and seafood, and to discover new ways to prepare them.
