On Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:38:30 +1100, "Farm1" >
wrote:

>"sf" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:45:52 +1100, "Farm1" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Doens't the US have any real butcher's shops?
>>>
>> They're few and far between.
>
>How irritating.
>
>Something like lamb shanks and oxtails
>> shouldn't be a butcher shop exclusive.
>
>I wasn't suggesting that they should be.
>
>I do find it interesting though that the first response of USians here seems
>to be is to look for meat at a supermarket. I always prefer to use the
>butcher and jsut use supermarkets for convenience.
>
>TMWOT, the butcher specialises in meat and it seems to me that the whole
>premise of supermarket existence is convenience.
>

That it is-- but it is convenient to go down the produce aisle, turn
left past the bakery and peruse 100 feet of coolers-- and if you don't
see what you want, ask one of the half dozen fellows behind that
counter to cut you what you want.

The only downside is, things are ordered by a computer that is
programmed to quit buying things that don't sell-- even if the couple
pounds you *do* sell create a loyal customer. so unpopular items
disappear--- after they price them out of reason. [for instance-
suet-- just raw, chunks of the sinewy stuff-- often starting to turn
because it has been on the shelf too long- is approaching $2.00 a lb
in my market. I can buy Flank steaks for $2.50-- but lots more people
buy them, so the store can make a minimal profit.]

Jim