It has been just about two weeks since Jamaica’s master meat crafter Gregory Burrowes opened the doors of his Upper Manor Park Plaza-located butcher shop. The well-appointed Butcher Block Gourmet Store can be found between Sugar & Spice and Candy Craze stores. Besides the best cuts of top-quality meats, the store sells seafood, Burrowes’ own line of sauces, rubs and seasonings, cheeses, gourmet salts from chef Christina Simonitsch, olive oil, aged balsamic, condiments and, as Burrowes puts it, “everything you need to create the perfect cheese board”.

Upon entering, customers are greeted by a “fresh counter” containing the best cuts of prime quality meats. On the day of Thursday Food’s visit on offer were New York Strip and ribeye steaks, rack of lamb and lamb chops. According to Burrowes, each weekend “there will something different on the fresh counter”. In addition to quality cuts, customers can expect anything from hand-crafted salmon burgers to fresh housemade sausages.

It is interesting to note that all the beef at Butcher Block is certified Black Angus Prime or Black Angus Choice — the highest grades of beef. Fun fact: less than 1.5% of beef achieves Prime rating. The Black Angus Prime and Black Angus Choice meats are supplied by both the family’s local 600-acre farm and overseas farms. The Burrowes farm is unable to supply enough meat to meet local demand. However, the top-quality meats are carefully raised and have wonderful marbling. Marbling is the dispersion of fat between lean portions of meat and is key to Butcher Block meat’s incredible flavour and tenderness.

Butchering is a labour of love. Speak with Burrowes and you’ll immediately have a greater appreciation and respect for your meat and its provenance. Butcher Block Gourmet Store is a welcomed addition to Kingston’s food shopping experience.

Butcher Block Gourmet Store

Shop #A7 Upper Manor Park Plaza

876-668-4481

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday 10:00 am-6:00 pm