Simchick, L.

Sutton Place
988 First Ave.
at E. 54th St.

P: 212.888.2299

L. Simchick has served its Sutton Place neighborhood for nearly thirty years. They are among the city's best butchers, distinguished by their commitment to quality meats and poultry, impressive butcher skills, and excellent customer service.  I wish they were in my neighborhood....

It's a small shop with a traditional approach: the glass case and counter show only a portion of their meats and poultry, with more kept in a large chilled room in the back of the store.  Tell them what you want and how you plan to cook it, and they will get you a perfectly chosen, perfectly butchered result.  And if you're not certain how to cook something, they can help you with that, too. 

What's great:

They work with top producers to make sure they offer the best possible quality.  Every piece is cut to order.  They know that many city households are small so they routinely offer smaller roasts so that you're not stuck with 6 pounds of leftovers.

Their Mediterranean burgers, made from a combination of veal, lamb and spices, are a triumph.  Also wonderful are their seasoned leg of lamb, ready to put in your oven or on a grill at a friend's summer house, or their marinated hanger steakd. 

What to know:

They deliver, take credit cards for orders over $20, and take phone orders. They also offer oven-ready prepared meals, using their same excellent ingredients, poultry, and meats.