If you are a meat eater in the early part of the 21st Century, food conversations can be :::pause::: uncomfortable. Meat-eating can be unfashionable and meat-eating can be seen to be immoral. I hold that as long as humans have incisors and canine teeth, meat will be part of the American diet. At least, we can make the choice to choose providers that are as humane as possible in both the raising and slaughter of the beasts.
This brings me to Hanova Hills, a supplier to the Williamsville Farmer's Market. At first I was wary of an independent supplier with just a banner, a truck and some flyers. We browsed, we read, we mused. Two weeks ago, they had a sale on ground beef and at that point we thought now is the time. Try the beef and go from there. We bought 3lbs of ground and one skirt steak. Oh. my.
The burgers from the ground beef held promise, but the seared skirt steak tonight was transcendent. I partitioned the steak in three pieces, simply seasoned with salt, pepper and olive oil. We heated a cast iron pan over medium-heat. After 10 minutes, we hit the pan with olive oil for a minute, then seared the skirt steak fon each per side before allowing to rest for 8 minutes. You can see the results here; caramelized, crusted and medium-rare hot. What you can't see is the flavor, aroma and texture. The lovely livery/gaminess came first from the cooking. After resting for 8 minutes, the knife sliced through effortlessly. We laid the beef over lettuce lightly dressed with blue cheese dressing and it took center stage. The mouthfeel was of a melting butteriness, the taste one of beefiness never tasted in a grocery store cut of any quality.
"Holy Crap!" we exclaimed. This was beef without peer, what our grandparents and before tasted, if they could they have afforded it. Perhaps it was the simple preparation that highlighted the quality of the beef beyond what I've tasted in New York or Toronto. The best steak ever prepared at home, no doubt.
I'm not sure I want to eat any other beef now. If it means buying now and gently freezing (and rationing through the year) we will.
Hanova Hills offers larger pack with a variety of cuts - we shall take advantage of them. But I also think we shall pay Hanova Hills a visit. To appreciate, I feel you must also have the experience of seeing their business and operation. We welcome the opportunity!
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