local meats
We offer a variety of cuts in our case every day along with plenty of cooking advice and inspiration. The list below is just a sampling of what you will find. Have a question? Give us a call at (207) 236-6328.
WHAT WE DO
Although we have many facets and have shifted plenty in the last several years, at our heart, Bleecker & Greer is a meat shop. We are here to provide a way for our local farmers to get the products of their hard work into your homes in a way that honors the animals and the care they've taken. And we are here to make wholesome proteins available to you in a way that we hope is accessible and artful.
WHOLE ANIMAL BUTCHERY
We source whole animals directly from the farms (or co-op in the case of Garden Spot) and then ensure quality processing before delivery to us. We receive whole pigs, lamb, and beef each week. This means that we have every part of the animals at our use but at the same time, limited quantities of everything. This also means that our meats will be vastly fresher than anything you'll buy elsewhere.
The pork we buy is pastured and raised on GMO-free grain. Some of our beef and lamb farmers raise their animals exclusively on grass and will carry the label 100% grass-fed, while others graze pasture but supplement with some grain. We do carry both grass-fed and grain finished beef and lamb but not usually at the same time. More specific information about our farmers can be found here.
We approach our work with a no-waste mentality, using seam style butchery. Some of these items then become the base ingredients for many of our house-made products including -but not limited to- stocks, sauces, soups, deli meats, patés, and ready-to-heat entrées and sides. All of our fresh and smoked sausages are made in house, using natural casings (no chicken sausage; sorry not sorry).
As a whole animal butcher shop, not all popular cuts will be readily available but with notice, we can provide just about anything. We're a small shop with a small staff. Ordering ahead is strongly recommended for larger orders or specific cuts, however the case is regularly stocked with fresh cuts available to take home.
We understand that some folks are just here for the tenderloin, even though that mindset doesn't really serve what we're here to do. With that being said, we do sometimes have USDA Prime graded beef on hand to fill the demand for tenderloins, strips, and ribeyes - especially in summer. This beef is not Maine-raised and we know little to nothing about the treatment of those animals, only that the beef is graded for tenderness. These steaks will be labeled “USDA Prime” and the prices are more variable, as they are subject to market rates.
We understand that utilizing unfamiliar cuts may mean stretching your cooking muscles. When you are unsure but willing to try, you help make this whole thing work.
(By using Bleecker & Greer as a source of goods, you're supporting Maine's agricultural community too.) With a meat thermometer and a few basic cooking methods well-practiced, we believe that anyone can make any piece delicious.
We're working hard so you can eat well. Get cooking & thanks!