Difficulties in finding certain food...

Ilph

Hello everyone,

I'm having some difficulty in finding a few cuts of pork and other types of food. Seems that the meat cuts (in general) here and in continental Europe are quite different and a lot of food isn't even sold here

For example, it took me a while to find out that those de-boned (why?) gigot medallions are in fact, the pork chops that I'm used to buy and I have to order them (!!!) in order to get them with the bone, aka, normal chops.

I've been searching high and low for pork ribs (or piano ribs as we call them) but every time I ask, I'm presented with "bacon" ribs (I tried them and... err... bleh... sorry folks )
What I want are fresh pork ribs, not smoked, not salted, not bacon... just the plain pork ribs so I can cook them.

I've also been at a loss of where to find fish that isn't cut into fillets. There is exactly one dish in which I use fillets, the rest uses the whole fish or it's sliced (to fry for example) and yet, all I find in supermarkets are fillets, fillets, fillets...

While I know I won't be finding horse mackerel here and will have to settle with its cousin, the mackerel, I would really like to find it whole so I can grill it or cut in half to boil.


Is there anywhere where I can find or order pork cuts like ribs, gigot chops with bone, pork steaks, etc, whole fish (not in fillets) or so?

Where I live, I'm around half way to Wexford, Waterford or Newross. Any help with this matter will be appreciated as my food menu has been drastically shortened into 1/10th of its size since I moved here.

The Hill Billy

You just need to find a decent butcher & fishmonger. Those cuts are out there. Maybe post this in the Wexford forum? PM me if you want me to move it.

Dinkie

I'm pretty sure that I got 'pork ribs' in Doyle Butchers in Clonard (beside the petrol station). In Wexford

They are a really, really good butcher, and if I don't see what I want I ask them and they usually get it for me.

For fish ask Meylers in the bullring. Although they fillet most of their fish, they often have whole fish in the side room.

TBH, I really don't see your problem with ordering meat, fish etc. If the cuts of meat / fish are not popular, why would they stock them permanently. Your in Ireland now. You either deal with the local preferences or you order your cut.

Why not try some of the local preferences and cuts. You might like them and increase your intake to 8/10's of what it was.

Darkginger

I can't give you specific advice, not knowing your area at all, but I do know what you mean! When I moved from the UK to Ireland (some 11 years ago) I was totally confused by the cuts of meat available (seemed all Irish lambs had loads of legs, but no shoulders!) - but I'm blessed with having a good butchers and, more recently, fishmongers. Starting a dialogue with them explaining what you're looking for is a really good idea. Many supermarkets have a butchers counter, just talk to the staff and ask them what cut they'd recommend for your recipe.

Experiment with the 'Irish' cuts - often they'll be what you're familiar with, only under a different name - round steak = rump steak for example.

I couldn't find 'plain' ribs either, but we have a specialised pork butcher that'll get them for me if I ask - in fact they'll get me *anything* if I ask - including sheets of pork fat/skin to make crackling with.

I don't know if you have a Lidl or Aldi near you, but they often stock continental foods that you may be familiar with.

Another idea is to talk to farmers in your area and see if they sell whole sheep or perhaps half a cow - you can ask whoever does the butchering to cut the 'beast' into the joints/parts you want. Irish sheep do in fact have shoulders, it's just that most people want them as chops, it turns out!

It's swings and roundabouts - yes, it may be different from what you're used to, but the quality of the locally produced meat and locally caught fish here is second to none. Brined pork products are amazing, black and white puddings were 'new' ingredients to me when I moved here, but you can do so much with them. If anything, my repertoire has *increased* since my move.

In the summer, we're inundated with whole mackerel (and other fish) from fishing friends - I'm sure you'll find someone who goes fishing if you ask around.

Also - take a look at bordbia.ie - it has diagrams of the various Irish cuts of meat, so you can see what the Irish name is for the cut you're after - it helps a lot!

Hope some of that helps, and if all else fails, ask about specific substitutions for use in your recipes here on Boards - someone might be able to help. Best of luck!

flan59

Don't think you will get too many specific butchers or fishmongers around Foulksmills or New Ross but certainly in Waterford City you will get both. If you want names Pm me

Ilph

Dinkie wrote: »

TBH, I really don't see your problem with ordering meat, fish etc. If the cuts of meat / fish are not popular, why would they stock them permanently. Your in Ireland now. You either deal with the local preferences or you order your cut.

Why not try some of the local preferences and cuts. You might like them and increase your intake to 8/10's of what it was.

I don't have a problem with ordering, I have a problem with finding places where I can order what I need. If I knew where to look, I wouldn't be posting here, now would I?
I did however, have to strike out completely some of the stuff I was used to eat, like rabbit for example (I've been told what little is sold, costs a fortune. No thanks).

I just asked for places where to order stuff, I wasn't complaining that I have to order stuff. And yes, the thing with boneless chops does boggle me.

Darkginger wrote: »

I can't give you specific advice, not knowing your area at all, but I do know what you mean! When I moved from the UK to Ireland (some 11 years ago) I was totally confused by the cuts of meat available (seemed all Irish lambs had loads of legs, but no shoulders!) - but I'm blessed with having a good butchers and, more recently, fishmongers. Starting a dialogue with them explaining what you're looking for is a really good idea. Many supermarkets have a butchers counter, just talk to the staff and ask them what cut they'd recommend for your recipe.

Experiment with the 'Irish' cuts - often they'll be what you're familiar with, only under a different name - round steak = rump steak for example.

I couldn't find 'plain' ribs either, but we have a specialised pork butcher that'll get them for me if I ask - in fact they'll get me *anything* if I ask - including sheets of pork fat/skin to make crackling with.

I don't know if you have a Lidl or Aldi near you, but they often stock continental foods that you may be familiar with.

Another idea is to talk to farmers in your area and see if they sell whole sheep or perhaps half a cow - you can ask whoever does the butchering to cut the 'beast' into the joints/parts you want. Irish sheep do in fact have shoulders, it's just that most people want them as chops, it turns out!

It's swings and roundabouts - yes, it may be different from what you're used to, but the quality of the locally produced meat and locally caught fish here is second to none. Brined pork products are amazing, black and white puddings were 'new' ingredients to me when I moved here, but you can do so much with them. If anything, my repertoire has *increased* since my move.

In the summer, we're inundated with whole mackerel (and other fish) from fishing friends - I'm sure you'll find someone who goes fishing if you ask around.

Also - take a look at bordbia.ie - it has diagrams of the various Irish cuts of meat, so you can see what the Irish name is for the cut you're after - it helps a lot!

Hope some of that helps, and if all else fails, ask about specific substitutions for use in your recipes here on Boards - someone might be able to help. Best of luck!

Like I said, where I live I'm around 30 minutes away from either NewRoss, Wexford or Waterford. I guess my best bets are Wexford and Waterford to find decent butchers and fishmongers.

I've been to Lidl and Aldi, even to Spar and Polish shops. I'm lucky that I lived in Germany for a couple of years so I know what all that stuff is.

I've tried the shoulder lamb chops and found them quite nice. Although, it's rare that I eat them as chops. They usually end up in pieces and taking the place of the lamb belly ribs on a type of roast that I make. (when I asked to order lamb belly ribs, I got these blank stares, like deers in headlights.)

I have been trying out some Irish food, but we're talking about someone used to Mediterranean food. It's like day and night and my stomach doesn't take the Irish food too well due to the overload of seasonings and/or fat.

Thanks for the help everyone, I'll start looking in Wexford and Waterford for some decent butchers and fishmongers. Any recommendations?

Murtinho

Dinkie wrote: »

I'm pretty sure that I got 'pork ribs' in Doyle Butchers in Clonard (beside the petrol station). In Wexford

They are a really, really good butcher, and if I don't see what I want I ask them and they usually get it for me.

For fish ask Meylers in the bullring. Although they fillet most of their fish, they often have whole fish in the side room.

ill second both of these, yer man in Doyles butchers in clonard will cut you what ever you want, ive gotten lamb shanks, veal shins and other stuff off him. He's says he can get anything, may need some notice and doesnt over charge just because its not mainstream stuff.
Meylers is class too, i know them fairly well at this stage and allways get a few fish carcasses to make a stock with when im in.
Not affiliated to either of the above.

Most butchers will be only delighted to facilitate you btw, i read one of Hugh (whatever his name is Fettingel Whittinghall??, does be on C4) books and he was all about this, get to know your butcher.

JayEnnis

You should be able to get rabbit from someone local who is interested in hunting.

For fresh fish you might have more luck around kilmore quay or some of the other seaside villages.

David900

I know Doyle's butchers either in Clonard or on the main street in Wexford will order in whatever you need, I've ordered in some smoked meats there before. I can't see your argument about rabbit, they sell it in the aforementioned butchers or you can just catch some yourself, they probably live in your garden

Murtinho

David900 wrote: »

I know Doyle's butchers either in Clonard or on the main street in Wexford will order in whatever you need, I've ordered in some smoked meats there before. I can't see your argument about rabbit, they sell it in the aforementioned butchers or you can just catch some yourself, they probably live in your garden

ive seen rabbit in doyles in clonard, not allways there but again you can order them

Ilph

Many thanks for the information, everyone. I'll check out Doyle's and Meylers for sure.

Also, good to know that Doyle's has rabbit sometimes. I really, really miss it and I was told that is virtually impossible to buy here unless I'm willing to pay a fortune for it. I did look around a bit but didn't find any rabbit for sale. Then again around these parts, it's all supermarket "butchers" without much choice (or clue about what to do with what meat... they wanted to sell me sirloin steaks to make "stuffed beefsteaks". Yes, because I can roll up something 2cm thick + stuffing and then fry... :rolleyes: might as well roast the stuff because that's what I'll end up with: something big enough to roast.)

I have one more question as that is if it's possible that someone can give me a couple of directions to Meylers.

Thanks again.

Dinkie

I'm not sure how well you know wexford - but the easiest way is to go along the quays until you get to Bank of Ireland. Meylers is about 100m on the right on the street directly beside the bank. The quays are very easy to find. Just keep going straight on what ever road you come into town on.

It can be awkward to get parking, so if you turn up the street right beside the bank, take the next left and there is a (paid) car park there.

There is a market in that car park every Friday. There is an organic butcher there. I don't know but if you ask him, he may be able to source rabbit cheaper (know some of the family and they can source any type of food!)

Murtinho

you cant miss meylers, right in centre of town, down from bullring, near the Bank of Ireland.
Just ask yer men in Doyles for Rabbit, it's not always there but he can get them, also as all sorts of fowl if your into that sort of thing. He'l be delighted to help you.

Let us know how you get on.

gossipgal08

Make sure you are talking to the butcher and not the counter staff.

Try the Farmers Market. The one in Enniscorthy on Sat morning is Very good

http://www.wexfordfarmersmarkets.com/

icbarros

Oh, I know exactly how you feel.
I also have been looking for 'real' pork ribs a couple of times.
The 1st time I ordered them in Wexford, from Meylers, I was highly disappointed because they took all the meat around the bones :eek: (if you go there please explain very well what you want, that's my advice).
Recently I adventured myself again and ordered pork ribs from the nearby Supervalu (Rosslare Harbour). The butcher is a neighbour of mine and my 'special order' took a week to come but it was exactly what I wanted.
For the fish, you could try Kilmore Quay. I've never actually bought fish there but a friend that works in the fishing industry tells me that is the place to buy good fish...

Ilph

icbarros wrote: »

Oh, I know exactly how you feel.
I also have been looking for 'real' pork ribs a couple of times.
The 1st time I ordered them in Wexford, from Meylers, I was highly disappointed because they took all the meat around the bones :eek: (if you go there please explain very well what you want, that's my advice).

Are you saying that they gave you literally only the bones? :eek:
And I think you mean Doyle's?

And guys, I know where the quays are and the Bank as I went there when I arrived to check up on accounts and so on. Thanks for the directions, I'm sure that even if I can't find it, if I ask anyone for Meylers or Doyle's I'll get directions.

Thanks again to all of you for helping out. I will check out as soon as I can, maybe by the end of this week. I'll let you guys know how it went.

icbarros

Ilph wrote: »

Are you saying that they gave you literally only the bones? :eek:

Not literally the bones, but there wasn't much meat attached to them :rolleyes:...

Ilph wrote: »

And I think you mean Doyle's?

Yes, my apologies. I meant to say "Doyles".

Divorce Referendum

I know a good fishmonger that isnt far from you. I can pm the directions of you want just let me know. How are you finding like in kayle?:D. I only live up the road from you.

Ilph

Hello everyone.

I finally went to Doyle's and Meylers and it was great. I got what I was looking for.

icbarros, I think you got the thin ribs, the ones with less meat on them (they ones they "baconize"). If you want the thicker ones, they have them on the shop too.
I went to the one at the bullring, not the one at the gas station, and he had everything there or went to the back to get it. Didn't have to order anything so far.
Also, the shop at the bullring has gigot on the bone all the time so it's easy to get the chops or a chunk of it (if you're like me and roast it... yum).

Same with Meylers. They were a bit confused about me wanting the whole fish because the bone would be in it and if I was ok with it but other than that, all fine. I explained how I wanted the plaice cut and got some very nice slices to fry.

Thanks to you all for your advice and sorry for taking so long to answer back. Between lack of time to head to Wexford and my internet acting up, I didn't manage to post here.

icbarros

Great to know that!

Ilph

So now, a question to the Portuguese people that may be lurking on the forum (or others that might know of this, of course).

There is one thing I miss very dearly... our salt dried codfish. Anyone here knows how/where to get it other than:

- Heading to the Portuguese store in N. Ireland (> 300km... )
- Salt drying it at home (I don't think the landlord would like the smell...)

If there are no options, I'll have to order it online (which I would like to avoid because who knows what they'll send me...).

Murtinho

Ilph wrote: »

So now, a question to the Portuguese people that may be lurking on the forum (or others that might know of this, of course).
There is one thing I miss very dearly... our salt dried codfish. Anyone here knows how/where to get it other than:
- Heading to the Portuguese store in N. Ireland (> 300km... )
- Salt drying it at home (I don't think the landlord would like the smell...)
If there are no options, I'll have to order it online (which I would like to avoid because who knows what they'll send me...).

i'd be interested in this too, an Italian store maybe in dublin, popular over there, "Baccala", allways remember that from Bobby Baccala in the sopranos

icbarros

There was a place in Enniscorthy that (I've heard) it used to have dried cod.
I've never been there myself but I got a list of their products some years ago and they had all the Portuguese food that you can't buy here.:p
The owners run the Portuguese restaurant in Enniscorthy - Galo - and they use to have this retail unit where they stored the products, selling also to the public.
I'm not sure if it's still open...
I'll be curious to know if there are any other places selling dried cod. I would expect to be easier to find in Dublin......or maybe not...

Ilph

For those of you closer to Northern Ireland or willing to drive, here's the store I'm talking about:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Loja-Portuguesa-de-Jo%C3%A3o-Mimoso/91887303946?ref=ts

I don't know what's holding back the online store, it's been under construction since last year. I'm actually thinking of calling in and see if I can order by phone and have it delivered at their storehouse in Dublin so I can pick it up.

icbarros, as soon as I can I'll have a look in Enniscorthy (and probably even have a meal at the restaurant if it still exists ).

icbarros

Ilph wrote: »

icbarros, as soon as I can I'll have a look in Enniscorthy (and probably even have a meal at the restaurant if it still exists ).

I believe Galo is still open.
There is also a new one in Gorey: PortuPaddy. http://www.facebook.com/pages/PortuPaddy/147411705314436?v=info

Cantona's Collars

icbarros wrote: »

I believe Galo is still open.
There is also a new one in Gorey: PortuPaddy. http://www.facebook.com/pages/PortuPaddy/147411705314436?v=info

The Galo is still there and doing great business despite the recession.
http://www.irishtourist.com/details/galo_chargrill_restaurant.shtml