When a restaurant's reputation is everything, the city’s top chefs choose their wholesale meat suppliers in NYC with diligent care. They choose to partner wholesale meat suppliers that deliver high-quality cuts, every time.
For over a century, the city's top chefs and award-winning culinary experts have partnered with Piccinini Bros. to stock their kitchens with premium, high-quality meat and bring their dishes to life.
The best part is that you don't have to be a top chef to access this level of quality; you can get the same hand-cut, premium meats for your home cooking. Below, we share our top tips for how to select hand-cut meat from your local butcher so you can prepare your family's next favorite dinner with high-quality meat.
Tip #1: Know the Benefits of Choosing Your Local Butcher
If you’re used to buying meat at a local grocery store, you may think that all meat is created equal. However, that vacuum-sealed ribeye at a big-box chain isn’t the same as buying a steak from your local butcher. The way meat is raised, processed, packaged, and delivered all have a significant impact on flavor and quality. The care and dedication that goes into raising and processing cattle on a small farm, having it delivered directly to your butcher shop, and sold to you within a day or two is evident in every fresh, tender bite.
Tip #2: Learn the Labels
Grass-fed, ethically-raised, grain-finished, USDA Choice versus Prime…and the list goes on. With so many labels, it can be hard to tell which ones matter and which are simply buzzwords. Understanding these labels before selecting your meat is important because how the meat is raised determines its flavor and tenderness. For example, grass-fed beef comes from cattle that have grazed on open pastures throughout their lives. The result is a heartier, leaner beef with a more earthy flavor and deep maroon coloring. Grain-fed beef, on the other hand, is fed a diet of corn and grains containing carbs and fat in an effort to bulk up the muscles without overuse. Grain-fed beef tends to be more tender and juicy.
The USDA also rates all beef after processing. At Piccinini Bros., all of our beef is USDA Prime certified, the highest level awarded and given to less than 5% of all meat in the country. We also have an on-site inspector who ensures that each cut we serve is of the highest quality. You cannot get this level of selection and service from a grocery store!
Tip #3: Select the Right Cut
You may think that buying the most expensive cut of a meat available will automatically make your recipe taste great. However, this isn't always the case. Choosing the right cut and cooking it properly is more important than the price tag. The best way to ensure your recipe tastes great with high-quality meat is to make a selection that complements your cooking method. Be familiar with the different beef cuts available and their ideal cooking methods. For example, steaks like ribeye, New York Strip, and tenderloin are great for fast, high-heat cooking methods like grilling and stove-top cooking. Cuts like brisket, short rib, and chuck are best suited for slow-cooking methods like roasting and stewing.
Tip #4: Cook And Store Your Meat Properly
You can have a perfectly trimmed filet mignon ready to go, but if you don't know how to cook it properly, the quality doesn't matter. Invest in a meat thermometer and keep it handy while preparing your recipe. Familiarize yourself with the recommended internal temperatures for each meat type. Remember that the meat's internal temperature can rise at least 5° after cooking, so take it out a few minutes early to account for that carry-over cooking. Finally, be aware of proper storage practices and refrigeration temperatures to ensure your cut is healthy to cook.
Tip #5: Get to Know Your Butcher
Don’t be afraid to step up to the case and strike up a conversation! One of the best benefits of choosing an artisanal neighborhood butcher is that you can build a relationship over time. We’re always here to help you choose your cut and answer any of your questions. Even from your first visit to our butcher shop in Hell’s Kitchen, we love learning about you and your cooking passions. Over time, we get to know your preferences and can help you hand-select cuts that will be perfect for your next recipe, and trimmed exactly the way you like. If you’re looking for something specific and can’t find it in the case, we’re happy to place a custom order for your specific needs. We also love to cook and are eager to exchange cooking tips and favorite recipes when you stop in.
Piccinini Bros.: Neighborhood Butcher And Wholesale Meat Supplier In New York
At Piccinini Bros., selecting and cooking meat is an art form that's been perfected over the last century. We partner with small farms that source high-quality meats fresh to us daily.
When you purchase from a trusted neighborhood butcher like Piccinini Bros., we help you hand-select the perfect portion for your recipe; no guessing required.
Stop by or call us at 212-246-8277, and we will help you get the perfect cut. Already know exactly what you need? Shop online any day of the week for your custom cut. With over 100 years of experience supplying high-quality meat to NYC’s best restaurants and home cooks, you can trust us to help you make your next meal one to remember.
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