Fire up the barbecue and kick off summer the Canadian way. Your local butcher features the finest meats Ontario has to offer, so pay them a visit and prepare a delicious al fresco feast for friends and family. Get to know these community favourites.
Cumbrae’s
26 King Strewet West, Dundas
With two locations in Toronto and one in Dundas, Cumbrae’s bridges the gap between artisanal farmers and city consumers, offering meats sourced outside the factory farming system. Their selection includes a variety of poultry, pork, lamb and beef from small, family-run farms in Ontario and Quebec. In addition to specialty cuts like beef brisket, Cumbrae’s offers delicious ready-made products, including melt-in-your-mouth 10-hour pulled pork.
J & G Quality Meats
175 Plains Road East, Burlington
J & G Quality Meats is known for its exceptional dry-aged beef, Ontario lamb, gluten-free burgers and artisan sausages. As a proudly Canadian business based in Burlington, they constantly push the boundaries of creativity with offerings like meat donuts (ready-to-cook meat shaped like a donut and topped with cheese and herbs), mini beef wellingtons and pistachio-crusted stuffed pork.
Florence Meats
2136 Speers Road, Oakville
Celebrating over 47 Oakville community, years in the Florence Meats is a second-generation family business that serves up specialty in-house smoked meats. Slovenian-born Mario Goriup, who spent 25 years running a butcher shop in South Africa, founded the business alongside his wife Maria. Florence Meats is run by their son Damian and his wife Carol. Florence Meats is truly as local as it gets, as they operate a small meat plant in Oakville and source primarily from Southern Ontario farms.
Local Butchers On The World Stage
In March, two local butcheries were on the team that proudly represented Canada at the World Butchers’ Challenge in Paris, France. Team Canada, with senior member Damian Goriup of Florence Meats and co-captain Peter Baarda of J & G Meats, placed an impressive 5th out of 15 international teams. With 65 Canadians in the stands cheering them on, Team Canada was ecstatic to showcase the artistry of national butchery on a global stage.
The World Butchers’ Challenge is a three-and-a- half-hour test of skill, creativity and craftsmanship. Teams break down and transform whole animals into themed, value-added retail displays using their own spices, marinades and garnishes.
Just an Olde Fashioned Butchery
165 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
Nothing says summer like a jumbo hotdog topped with ketchup and mustard, and Just An Olde Fashioned Butchery in downtown Oakville is the place to find the perfect one. With over three decades of experience serving fine meats, it’s hard to imagine Lakeshore Road without their iconic storefront, which always buzzes with activity, especially during the warmer months.
Dietrichs
1250 Speers Road, Oakville
Nestled in the heart of Oakville, Dietrich’s is a local gem. Since taking over in January 2022, co-owners Dan and Jamie Kokiw have committed to sourcing the best ethically raised meats from local farmers, while also selling gourmet goods like house-made (and flavour-packed) marinades that are sure to take your summer barbecue to the next level.
Marbled Premium Meats
115 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
Tom Stasiuk opened Marbled Meats in 2011 with a mission to offer natural, free-range and locally sourced meats at accessible prices. They stand out by offering a variety of game meats, including wild boar, venison and bison, all priced at least 30 percent lower than market value. Plus, the shop’s welcoming, open atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make every visit an experience within itself.
IButcher
4265 Thomas Alton Blvd, Burlington
IButcher, a Halal certified butcher, has the best kafta in town. Along with premium Halal cuts of goat, veal and chicken, they provide a selection of Middle Eastern, Arabic, Pakistani, Indian, and Eastern European groceries. Their deli also features hand-cut meats, expertly prepared to customers’ preferences for a personalized touch.
BY LAUREN MEDEIROS
