Every so often I write Stylish Dining posts about the hot and happening restaurants I visit in New York, Miami, London and Paris. My, how times have changed as in the twinkling of an eye we’ve gone from having care-free convivial evenings dining out with friends, family and colleagues to being sequestered in our homes due to the Covid-19 pandemic for the last 2 months.
So, Stylish Dining is pivoting to address our current needs and lifestyle. It’s been a period of adjustment for one and all as we now eat at home exclusively, either preparing every meal or having them delivered. Rolling into week 9 we’re moving closer to the end of our lockdown in NYC, while all the other states have already at least partially re-opened.
You’re probably familiar with recent reports of the Tysons and Smithfields plants shut down due to Covid-19 outbreak amongst their workers and uncovering the unprotected working environment many were subjected to. With sustainability a major issue for many, thoughts turn to where to acquire sustainably raised grass-fed beef and free-ranged heritage pork. Patrick Martin Beck, a family friend has been raising sustainably raised grass-fed cattle at the Cloverbud Ranch property in Portsmouth, RI since 2011. Pat prepared and shipped to us overnight a selection of steaks, sausages, oxtails and short ribs, all separately wrapped in newspapers. If you or members of your family are omnivores, Cloverbud Ranch is definitely a responsible and healthier alternative.
Cloverbud Ranch
Here Pat tells his story from being a landscape architect to raising grass fed cattle…
“I found this passion for grass-fed beef as a mid-career adjustment when landscape architecture took a hard left turn in 2008. The inspiration came from a friend's father who was raising Belted Galloways, a Scottish heritage breed, to a high standard in Bucks County, PA. Oliver Smith knew how to care for his pastures and nurse his antique farm machinery along. I wanted to experience the joy he found out in the field. As the son of a veterinarian I had always been around animals but had never raised livestock. Old Ollie is tending other fields these days and I sure hope he can see the sleek beauties we have in Portsmouth, RI.
The Black Angus and Red Devon we graze are northern breeds able to put on a winter blanket and fatten on the lush pastures we provide. Some are a crossbred mix between the two that tend to grow a little faster and display desirable qualities from each side. I helped a friend bring a special Devon stud bull up here from Pennsylvania in 2013. Iron Mike has covered the heifers in a few herds around here and we have been fortunate to bring his offspring into our stocker operation on several occasions. We don't breed due to challenges on the herd management side since we don't live at the large conservation property.
We believe in giving our animals the best possible lives during their time with us at Cloverbud Ranch. Our 40-head herd grazes on numerous lush pastures of 10 acres or more moving freely between favorite morning and afternoon spots. Other areas are rested to regrow high-value forage. The cattle fatten to a high standard over their stress-free life in our 100% grass-fed rotational program. Summer grass is cut and baled for winter feed. When the time comes for us to take their gift in gratitude they step onto a trailer without a struggle since their human contact has always been a positive experience.”
Learn more about Cloverbud Ranch here…
If you’re in the neighborhood stop by Urban Greens, 93 Cranston Street, Providence, Rhode Island (401) 273-0362 and South Kingstown Farmers Ma, 3481 Kingstown Road, RI
Who knows we may never eat out again —- just kidding!!
Martin Patrick Beck shares space with one of his herd. a Black Angus
The Butcher's Block
We are excited to be providing whole bone-in quarters of our healthy 100% grass-fed beef to an incredible steakhouse in Long Branch, NJ. Tom D'Ambrisi and his brother bought a vacant meat-packing warehouse and fitted it out to resemble an old New York streetscape. You choose your steak from the meat case and dine family style at long community tables. BYOB. The boys brought in a special Italian wood fired oven for the special beef they butcher & dry-age in house.
Sample a selection of different cuts of our locally & sustainably raised 100% grass-fed beef. Choose a 20 lb. mix of grilling and braising cuts and save 15% off retail pricing. Experience incredible deep flavor and superior nutritional profile. Enjoy the best we have to offer. Animals are humanely processed at state-of-the-art USDA facility. Cuts are individually Cry-O-Vac packaged and frozen at the processor for long freezer life in top condition. They remain frozen until they reach you
TYPICAL 20 LB. PASTURE PACK INCLUDES:
4 lbs. T-Bone / Porterhouse / Ribeye Steaks / NY Strips
4 lbs. Sirloin Tip / London Broil
6 lbs. Ground Beef
4 lbs. Stew Cubes / Pot Roast
3 lbs. Short Ribs / Shanks
Purchase a 20lb pasture pack here…
Black Angus and Red Devon northern breeds of the Bos Taurus variety are grass-fed and raised with respect