Summer Classics Shine, Like Pork 'n' Peaches

At Eric Ripert's excellent restaurant, Le Bernardin, in New York, he has a section of the menu with the headline "Barely Touched". I think of that menu section a lot in the summer. Le Bernardin is consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in the world and showcases the good sense that when you have the best ingredients, you don't really need to do much to make them shine. While we are spoiled at the shop to have the best meat you can find year round, summer is the time when we are covered up with fresh tomatoes, okra, cucumbers and watermelon. Involved recipes aren't really needed when things are in season. You'll likely find that a little acidity, quality salt and olive oil go a long way. A grilled piece of meat and some vegetables hit with a quick char on the grill is lovely and makes it seem like you did a great deal more work than you did. Just make sure you don't forget to drink your water when you're outside working that grill - the wine can wait.

A summer classic that we love is pork and peaches. We like it so much we made it into a sausage this summer. Grab some quality pork chops from the shop and a handful of nearly overripe peaches. Halve the peaches, give them a little salt and grill them alongside the chops over a medium high heat. After you pull everything from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes while you mince up some basil. Slice the chops and the peaches up and spread them over a warm platter then sprinkle with a good amount of basil and some spice - we really like Aleppo Pepper or just chili flake. If you want to elevate the whole experience, pick up some Tin Man chili crisp—a local fav—at the shop and sling some about. A fresh loaf of bread to sop up the juices and you will be awash in awe and satiety. 

Come see us if you have a notion to do so this week. Between the heat and the flood and general summer malaise, it's been a little slow in the village. We really like all y'all and love being your local butcher shop. Thanks for making it all work for us!