Summer is right around the corner, and with it, the beginning of barbecue season.
As Father’s Day approaches and outdoor dinners become weekly affairs, make sure you have all your hosting supplies in order so you can pull off the perfect backyard bash.
What you put on the grill matters just as much as how you cook it. If you want to up your grill game this summer, order some fresh meat cuts from one of these butcher shops around the state:
Haass Meats, Dover
Haass Meats, formerly known as Haass Family Butcher Shop, was established in 1955 and is now owned by Jeff Haas, a fourth-generation butcher who grew up in the business.
Self-described as a carnivore candy store, Haass has a wide variety of meats ranging from classic cuts to specialty selections, as well as fresh Jail Island salmon, Jersey striper filet, marinated Chilean sea bass medallions and lump crab meat.
If you happen to be a fan of the Delaware staple of scrapple, Haass Meats sells it in their online store and offers a free block to any fathers who stop by on June 16.
To make your gift for dad even better, Haass Meats also offers gift certificates.
3997 Hazlettville Road, Dover, (302) 734-5447; haassmeats.com
Herman’s Quality Meat Shoppe, Newark
In Newark, Herman’s Quality Meat Shoppe has been a community go-to for butcher needs of the area since 1967, with three generations of Hermans having worked there.
Their meat is bought from local farms and every part of the animal is broken down in store and used, they say. All of their products are humanely and naturally raised without growth hormones or antibiotics.
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Herman’s has a selection of beef, veal, pork, lamb, poultry, game meats, fish and shellfish and organic produce. Some of their products include homemade pork or turkey sausage, beef jerky, ham loaf, various types of stuffed chicken breasts, meatballs and ready-to-heat smoked baby back ribs.
They also make party platters that come with deli sandwiches, vegetables and dip, fresh fruit, cheese and pepperoni, Italian antipasto or shrimp cocktail.
64 East Cleveland Ave., Newark, (302) 731-5344; hermansqualitymeats.com
Haldas Market, Brandywine Hundred
Haldas Market originally opened in 1917 on Wilmington’s King Street but has since moved to Silverside Road.
Despite the location change, their shop still serves the same quality meats they did a century ago, now with a modern twist.
They carry certified angus beef, Bell & Evan free-range chicken, American lamb and veal, gourmet burgers, fresh seafood delivered daily, bison and more.
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Some of their Father’s Day specials include prime ribeye steaks, tuna and salmon, Merlot and Parmesan sausages, broccoli rabe sausages and specialty burgers such as bacon and cheddar, Philly cheesesteak, and mushroom and mozzarella.
To round out your meat purchases, Haldas Market has a catering menu stocked with all your party needs including desserts, drinks, salads, vegetables, sides and appetizers.
Have some furry friends? Haldas Market sells bones and meats for pets, too!
2201 Silverside Road, Wilmington, (302) 475-7600; haldasmarket.com
Hickman’s Meat Market, Rehoboth
The first butcher of the Hickman family dates back to the late 1800s, with the passion for the job continuing when fourth-generation meat cutter William “Bill” Hickman II opened Hickman’s Meat Market Rehoboth in 2001.
Now managed by Bryan Hickman, the family promises the same quality and standards of practice that have been in place for many years.
Hickman’s has traditional meat offerings such as beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry and sausage, but also dabbles in a variety of specialty cuts. Some of those include ground buffalo, farm-raised rabbit, spare ribs, beef tongue and a variety of bacon and jerkies.
For inspiration on how to use your fresh meats from Hickman’s, check out their recipe page the shares several tasty dishes like roasted bone marrow, hummus-crusted chicken breast, Truffalo chicken lollipops, and braised short ribs with red wine reduction.
If you can’t make it to Rehoboth, Hickman’s Butcher Block in Milton is another meat shop established but the family to match Milton’s charm. This location sells the same meats featured at the original meat market as well as premium choices for affordable prices including homemade sausages, natural pork and chicken.
Hickman’s Meat Market: 19730 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach,302-226-8345; hickmansmeats.com. Hickman’s Butcher Block: 113 Union St, Milton, (302) 664-2373; hickmansbutcherblock.com.
Bachetti Bros. Meats, Market & Catering, Stanton
Bachetti Bros. was known as Bachetti & Sons when it was created in West Philadelphia in 1932 by Filippo Bachetti.
The family business, carried on by the grandsons of Bachetti, opened four locations, including one on Kirkwood Highway in 1980 in Mill Creek before moving into Midway Plaza in 2000.
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Aside from their meat market, Bachetti Bros. has an array of sandwiches, monthly “dinner-for-two” specials and an extensive catering menu.
Some of their catering items include fruit and vegetable platters, nacho trays, charcuterie lineups, and many classic entrees like chicken tenders, salads, baked ziti and chicken alfredo.
4723 B Kirkwood Highway, Midway Plaza, Wilmington, (302) 994-4467; bachettis.com
Doc’s Meat Market, Hockessin
Do you live near Hockessin? Doc’s Meat Market could be your one stop shop for all your barbecue needs.
Opened in the 1980s, Doc’s has continued to serve an array of in-house butchered meats ranging from New York strip steaks, hickory smoked hams, Cornish game hens, Polish kielbasa, ahi tuna, leg of lamb and anything in between.
If you’re in the market for grill-ready cuts, the shop’s variety of prepared meats includes chicken cordon bleu, marinated chicken or beef filet kabobs, cooked baby back ribs, marinated salmon, jumbo lump crab cakes and more.
To accompany what’s cooking on the grill, consider trying some of their homemade salads and sides, deli trays or enlisting their catering services.
7288 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, (302) 239-2529; http://docsmeatmarket.com/
