SACRAMENTO, CA
This week on the Butcher's Block, we have three domestic fine artisan meats. I enjoyed each of the following three meats, which I'm eager to share with you now.
Spotted Trotter Charcuterie's Pâté from Atlanta, GA: This company makes seasonal pates with only the finest poultry, beef, pork and rabbit, topped with perfectly paired aspic. The particular pâté I enjoyed was without a doubt quite tasty.
"Our recipes are created in boutique batches, made with only seasonal ingredients, which allows us to provide you nothing but the finest meats made with the freshest ingredients the planet has to offer," Spotted Trotter states on its website. "All spices are toasted and ground in-house, and we dry all of our own chilies, which, whenever possible, are heirloom varieties."
The company also uses all organic herbs and produce whenever possible, but above all it says it always strives to use all natural, sustainable, humanely-raised and hormone-free meats.
Fra' Mani Handcrafted Foods' Salame Nostrano from Berkeley, CA: Nostrano means "our own." It is coarsely ground, mild, and with a nice flavor. It is recommended to serve paper thin pieces.
Fra' Mani was launched in March 2006. The Curemaster, Paul Bertolli, is responsible for all product development and creation.
"Paul’s maternal grandfather was a salumiere and his love of salumi was ignited at a young age while savoring prosciutto and soppressata vicentina from his grandfather’s cellars," the company's website explains.
Salumeria Biellese's Coppa Piccante from New York City: In order to make Coppa Piccante, a Berkshire pork shoulder trimmed, seasoned, and cured with wine and an heirloom spice mixture. After the curing process, it is rubbed with Italian hot pepper and dry aged, which gives the product a subtle spicy finish.
Started in New York in 1925, Salumeria Biellese continues to this day to offer cured meats of exceptional quality.
Be sure to check back next week for more artisan charcuterie!
Spotted Trotter
Fra' Mani Handcrafted Foods
Salumeria Biellese
