We are fast approaching my favorite holiday of the year - Thanksgiving! I love this holiday for many reasons: first, we take a moment to be thankful, appreciate our beginnings, gather around with our loved ones, but most importantly, we eat, and eat, and eat. Now is the time of year where all I can do is think about food!So, with that in mind, the question bears... have you been over to Stachowski Market yet?
Behind the Butcher's counter, you are brightly greeted by the Owner/Chef/Butcher himself, Jamie Stachowski, what a character. Not only has Jamie gained experience as a chef at some of DC's hot dining spots, but he has become vastly popular at the local farmers markets for his sausages and charcuterie. Truly unique and one-of-a-kind.
Yes, Stachowski's is primarily a butcher shop. They focus on local, fresh meats, all of top quality, but it doesn't stop there. They also carry local produce, seasonally of course, and other fine products, like fresh baked bread, the basket stamped with a sign proudly displaying the bread's nearby origins. Jamie gives credit where credit is due, but most the credit should go directly to him. Check out the freezer with plenty of pates, galantines, and mouses to choose from. "We're not a restaurant," he says, "But we like to make stuff." So humble.
Extra cool - get on their daily meals list! Submit your email to smarketdc@gmail.com, and like me, you will receive an email every Tuesday through Friday with two choices for the evening, like the yummy Butcher Shop Pot Pie, or classic Spaghetti and Meatballs. Other favorites of mine are the chicken and dumplings, or breakfast for dinner! Still on my list to try is the Chiduckon (chicken, duck, bacon).
I happened to stumble upon Jamie the other night making a turkey mousse. He kindly invited me back for a hands on viewing. I watched as he blended, adding some cream and seasonings, all the while having a great time. "Just a little bit goes a long way", he told me, shaking out the ground cumin, white pepper, and turmeric. He handed me a spoon to taste, and I couldn't help but notice the grin on his face, like he was about to share a secret. Of course, he was right.
