We've moved from Baltimore, Maryland USA to Venice, Italy in pursuit of living our dream!



Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Another new addition to our neighborhood

Not long ago, a new butcher shop ( macelleria) opened in Campo Santa Margherita, right across from the Scuola Grande dei Carmini. This came as a shock to us, as the majority of shops opening up all over Venice are ones that cater to the tourists- selling magnets, postcards, and imported masks or glass jewelry.  Shops that tend to the daily needs of locals are shutting down, not opening. So having our new butcher is a blessing, and we make a point of patronizing his shop often.

The other day  as I was running my daily errands, I stopped in at the butcher shop, with no particular plans for what I was going to buy.  I was hoping I'd see something behind the glass case and be inspired for dinner that night.  My inspiration did come, but in a very unexpected way.  As I waited, I paid attention to what the other customers were ordering. One woman asked for twenty meatballs. I looked into the display case, and sure enough, there was a large stack of meatballs- large, round, mouthwatering meatballs. I watched as the butcher counted out all twenty for her.  She paid for her order and left. The next woman ordered 15 meatballs. I began to wonder if these women all knew something I didn't know!  When it was my turn I could not control myself.   "Dieci polpette"  (10 meatballs) came out of my mouth, almost without me knowing what I was doing. Yes, ten went home with me.

Dinner was spaghetti and meatballs.  After eating my meal, I knew why everyone was buying meatballs from our new butcher. They were delicious!  The perfect blend of beef and veal, along with some herbs. Now I know where to find homemade meatballs just like my mom used to make.  Life is good.




13 comments:

Unknown said...

Great to hear that a 'normal' shop has made a comeback. Let's hope more do so.

Yvonne said...

Aha! There's always a mob of women waiting their turn in there. I must try those meatballs, for sure.

karen said...

And I have become one of that mob!!!Everything we've bought from this butcher has been wonderful. Mike is particularly fond of his lamb chops.

Rob C said...

Mmm, meatballs, why am I now so hungry?

Rob

karen said...

Rob- I'll have one for you!!!

Maxine Oliver said...

Ohhh those meatballs sound so good. Wish I could sample some...sigh

Unknown said...

That's going on my list for our fall apartment stay!






sheila

Unknown said...

That's going on my list for September

Michelle said...

And I want spaghettin and meatballs for dinner. Guess I'll have to wait for the weekend and get mine at Trader Joe's. They do have a nice (but not as good as from a Venetian butcher) Italian meatball in a package in the frozen section. Better than none.
Hope that butcher is still there when I come visit.
Yum!

LindyLouMac said...

Great news, it is much more rewarding to buy your meat from a local friendly butcher.

La Venexiana said...

My mouth actually did begin to water as I read this! Now I have a new quest next time I'm there. Thanks!
- Candace

jonneke said...

thanks for telling, about this new butcher. last time when i was in venice (feb/march) he wasn't there.
i intend to try his meatballs in the summer.

karen said...

Jonneke- let me know when you are here!!!