Meat: Everything You Need to Know

A purveyor to many of NYC’s high profile chefs, LaFrieda may be the first celebrity butcher. His family’s business has been around for nearly 100 years, and here he takes readers behind the counter to show them what to look for and what to avoid when buying meat, as well as advice on how to prepare it—there are 75 recipes covering everything from common fare such as meat loaf, burgers, and sausage to show-stoppers like a beef Wellington with mushroom cream sauce, and a roasted calf’s head with whipped brain puree. LaFrieda’s emphasis is in educating readers on the various animals, diagramming cuts, and showing how to best utilize them. Tips like how to break down a chicken or cut pockets in veal or pork chops for stuffing make this a valuable reference that will give readers a greater appreciation for not only their favorite cuts of meat, but their butcher as well. (Sept.)