Tag: pittsburgh

Rub A Dub Dub Three Men in A Tub, And Who Do You Think They’d Be?…Let’s Start With The Butcher!

How many middle men are handling your meat before it gets to you? Why is meat so expensive right now? I decided to visit The Butcher, Pittsburgh’s own Ken Zvirman, owner of Jo-Mar Provisions in the Strip District and get the beef!

Meet the Butcher! Ken Zvirman owner of Jo-Mar Provisions in Pittsburgh's Strip District!!
Meet the Butcher! Ken Zvirman owner of Jo-Mar Provisions in Pittsburgh’s Strip District!!

Located at the corner of 18th and Smallman St., Jo-Mar’s store front emits the style and charm of the Strip District. Walk in the front door, and you will see it is not your typical meat case lined with cuts of raw red ready to be packaged. Why not? As Ken explained, he wants his customers to experience an unmatched freshness and quality when shopping at his store.

The nostalgia of Pittsburgh's Strip District is incredible! Take in the tastes, smells and sights!
The nostalgia of Pittsburgh’s Strip District is incredible! Take in the tastes, smells and sights!

Buying meat straight from farmers in the Mid-West ensures a great price and an unquestionable quality. Why have meat prices gone up?  Ken explained that the herd counts are down which means with supply down and demand up, prices increase.

Lets talk safety “Cleanest meat plant for 9 years!”

We talked safety, a lot!! Ken has binders and binders of rules and regulations to uphold.  I asked why he doesn’t have all the meat hanging from the ceiling and he laughed.  Nobody does that anymore except at the farmers’ butcher’s level.  The sanitation regulations are stringent and they should be!! What does that mean for us at home??  He says disinfect, disinfect, disinfect…with E coli 0157 running rampant and salmonella from chicken, you don’t want to take any chances.  Wash all surfaces in and around your work area! 70% of flus are actually reactions to raw meat contamination aka food poisoning.

What we really want to know?

How much meat to cook per person when entertaining?
Ken says bone in 1 lb. per person, boneless 8-12oz. per person

What is the difference between an oven roast and a pot roast?
Contrary to what we think, these are two totally different things! An oven roast can be a ribeye and a pot roast is made in a pot and cooked over time!

Can’t I buy my meat at Giant Eagle or WalMart?
Sure! You will pay more!! According to Ken, their “everyday low price” isn’t so low. Not to mention, how many middle men are handling their meat??

What is the best way to cook (insert cut of meat)? should I marinate it? season it? cook all day? cook to a temp?
Ken’s head butcher Jim, executive chef, can answer any of these questions! Awesome!
Here are some basics…
Grilling is #1- Jim grills all year!
New York Strip steaks require just salt and pepper grill on a hot flame!
For Pork tenderloin, high temp cook -shut off and let it cook for a juicy finish!
Want your Spare ribs to fall apart? Long, wet cook on low heat such as in a crockpot!
Bottom Round Roast requires tenderizing cook for a long time -great for stew!

Ken and Jim!  Dynamic Duo of all things meat! Stop in and see them!
Ken and Jim! Dynamic Duo of all things meat! Stop in and see them!

Ken started his business in 1988 and his awesome selection of exotic meats, impeccable reputation, and a love for people has made Jo-Mar provisions the go-to butcher shop for restaurants, foodservice companies and customers looking for the best steaks in the Burgh!

Go down, check it out! Meet Jim! Pick his brain!
Jim’s picks for best burger in the Burgh- a meat patty from Jo-Mar, of course! close runners up…Butter Joint, Legume, Bar Marco!

Ciao!!

 

“All You Need Is Love, Love.” The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s New Exhibit…WOW!

When asked to participate in a focus group at the Children’s Museum last year, I knew a new exhibit was being developed about love, kindness and individuality. I was totally excited to see what it would be in the end! I did not expect to be blown away by its life lessons, interactive exhibits, and its ability to keep 4 toddlers’ totally busy and happy for 3 hours!!!

Here were our favorites within the XOXO Love and Forgiveness Exhibit-

Draw a silhouette. See how others see you. The lesson- Giving others our attention makes them feel loved!
Draw a silhouette. See how others see you. The lesson- Giving others our attention makes them feel loved!
Great Photo Op moms!! Various colored frames and wooden signs saying "I Love You" and "Thank You" against an XOXO printed wall make a fabulous greeting card or a thank you for grandma!
Great Photo Op moms!! Various colored frames and wooden signs saying “I Love You” and “Thank You” against an XOXO printed wall make a fabulous greeting card or a thank you for grandma!
The boys came home with 8-10 love tokens each!
The boys came home with 8-10 love tokens each!
Draw a picture or write a love letter. Crush the paper in a machine and press it into a token with another pump machine!
Draw a picture or write a love letter. Crush the paper in a machine and press it into a token with another pump machine!

We stumbled upon a story time within the exhibit at 2pm! Songs and books about love and friendships!

How do we show our feelings? Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood for sure! Children are asked to write how someone has been kind to them and what they do when they are mad and  hang it on the display. We enjoyed reading what others had written!
How do we show our feelings? Mr. Rogers Neighborhood for sure! Children are asked to write how someone has been kind to them and what they do when they are mad and hang it on the display. We enjoyed reading what others had written!

Need something to do with the kids this weekend? Head over to the Children’s Museum!
Mr. Rogers’ Day is March 20th and the museum is offering free admission!

We loved the new exhibit! You will, too!

Create a memory of love!
Create a memory of love!

Ciao!

Grocery Run in Pittsburgh’s Strip District! Authentic Fresh Mexican Groceries at Reyna Foods! Plus Say “Chihuahua Cheese”!!

I stopped at Reyna Foods today to pick up my missing Crockpot Chicken Tacos ingredients! I was not surprised to find fresh homemade ingredients at a reasonable price! I make weekly stops in the strip to stock up on all of my fresh produce, meats, and cheeses!

Reyna foods carries huge bags of fresh tortilla chips and a variety of homemade salsas and guacs!! Entertaining the girls? Couples? Whip up some margaritas  and mojitos to accompany the chips and dips! Apps and drinks done! Ole!
Reyna foods carries huge bags of fresh tortilla chips and a variety of homemade salsas and guacs!! Entertaining the girls? Couples? Whip up some margaritas and mojitos to accompany the chips and dips! Apps and drinks done! Ole!

I definitely grabbed their fresh tortillas, black beans and a #7 guacamole (wow is it hot!)

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I know I’m having tacos for dinner BUT I cannot avoid stopping at Edgar’s for a pork taco!!!! The best in the ‘Burgh!!

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Diamond Find!! I picked up a bag of these sweet peppers for $1.99 at PennMac!!

Great price!! Diamond find!!  PennMac is a great place to find produce deals!!
Great price!! Diamond find!!
PennMac is a great place to find produce deals!!

At PennMac I also learned that the white soft perfectly meltable Mexican cheese you get at ElCampesino is called Chihuahua! Buy a brick at the PennMac cheese counter-shred for taco night and freeze for next time!

I hope you were able to pick up your “out of stock” ingredients and enjoyed my crockpot chicken tacos for dinner!!

The chicken a apart with a stir and a mix!!
The chicken falls apart with a stir and a mix!!
I forgot the sour cream after all! O well next time!
I forgot the sour cream after all! O well next time!

If you missed kicking Monday’s ass it’s ok! Order a pizza and try this recipe any day of the week!! Enjoy!!