Mmmore

We’ve already told you about some of favourite spots to get meat; below are a few more suggestions for buying prime ribs and things . . .

St Jamestown Steak & Chops
516 Parliament St
This butcher shop features one-stop shopping when it comes to meals. The meat selection is solid, with friendly advice about cuts and cooking times, but there are also fresh breads, desserts and seasonal vegetables to accompany the protein portion of your dinner. It’s particularly fortunate for Cabbagetown residents to have this venerable institution still going strong after several decades, given that the nearest alternative is a particularly dismal No Frills just down the street. The store is also home to some of the biggest prawns you will ever see, and they’re always fresh.

Cumbrae’s
481 Church St
A neighbourhood staple, this third-generation butcher shop was serving fine meats sourced from local farmers long before it was hip and trendy. I’ve never seen the place with fewer than six people behind the counter, all fully versed in the cuts of meat, along with serving suggestions and cooking times. There’s a great heat-and-serve counter for last-minute meals and a freezer full of more exotic or seasonal items. Their “farm to fork” philosophy includes participation in the Grey County cattle program, a network of breeders and farmers committed to raising cattle in a sustainable, humane fashion.

The Healthy Butcher
565 Queen St W
This Fashion District butcher shop features a variety of organic meats and prepared foods, sourced from animals that are raised “as nature intended.” Their food activism is refreshingly optimistic. The Healthy Butcher eschews mass-produced beef in favour of organically raised cattle that can roam grassy pastures and eat natural foods before ending up on our plates. Special orders are welcomed, sourced from reliable farmers and offering documentation that can trace your meat back to the organic farm where it was grown. They also offer butchering and cooking classes, as well as gift boxes like The Sausage Sampler and The Perfect Steak Box.

Bloor Meat Market
2283 Bloor St W
This Old World–style butcher shop has a reliable selection of beef, pork, poultry and fish. It’s known for great service, with a friendly “hello” greeting customers as they arrive. There are organic and grass-fed options available, as well as regular meats that are several steps up from anything you’ll find in a grocery store. The Irish salmon is to die for, rich and flavourful.

Farmhouse Tavern
1627 Dupont St
Great rustic place in the heart of The Junction. The chairs are a homey hodgepodge of colours and styles, and the décor is a comfortable mix of antique farm tools and country kitsch. The menu emphasizes local, seasonal produce, along with a meat selection that is sinfully drippy and delicious. You can’t go wrong with one of their massive burgers, piled high with things like goat cheese, pork belly and fried duck eggs. Portions are generous, and the staff is friendly.

The Stockyards
699 St Clair Ave W
A modern interpretation of the family diner and barbecue joint. Favourites include such comfort food as Southern-fried chicken served on a waffle, wood-smoked Carolina-style barbecue, and burgers with toppings that include marrow, blue cheese and red-wine butter. Small and homey; be sure to try the ginger iced tea.

Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse
150 Eglinton Ave E
Serves authentic Brazilian rodizio, a prix-fixe menu where diners choose from a selection of items. Prime rib infused with white cheddar cheese, chimichurri skirt steak and a selection of sausages are not to be missed. The roasted pineapple is delicious, and the live entertainment gives a nice party atmosphere. Perfect for large groups looking for a fun night with great food.