New La Penita Butcher Shop Carries Only Natural Meat:
Healthy Product for a New Generation of Consumers
Tara A. Spears
When you eat meat, choosing natural or organic grade is especially important, because meat production can have cascading effects on human health, animal welfare, and the environment.
There is a long chain of resources that support the animals used for meat production. Choosing natural meat at the Carniceria La Riviera has an added value because you can be assured that the animals are raised without synthetic chemicals and have high welfare standards.
Owners Icela and Victor Gonzalez said, “We follow a healthy lifestyle and believe that the beef that is grass raised to be better quality.” Carniceria La Riviera’s chicken, pork and beef have not been given growth hormones or antibiotics. This is the only organic meat market in Jaltemba Bay!
The shop is located on the corner of Calle Francisco Villa#1, one block west from highway 200 (directly behind the Modelarama beer distribution warehouse). The shop is open 7 days a week from 6am until 4pm. You can call to order special cuts 322 107 4344. The prices are competitive and well worth the quality: best yet is that the shop specializes in all cuts of steak!
Research shows that natural and organic raised meat is better for people and the planet. It’s interesting to note that the agency of the Mexican government (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development /SADER), that enforces the qualifying to use the ‘organic’ seal has certified only 300 meat producers in the entire country. “It is a very long and expensive process,” explained Victor in perfect English.
“We follow the legal guidelines with our beef production.” Not only that, but Victor raises Brangus cattle because it is excellent meat. “We have been working with Brangus because it is the best for this area. I believe Angus breed is the best flavor but it’s a very delicate breed. When Angus is crossed with Brahma it makes the cattle a stronger breed that can thrive in our terrain and weather.” I can tell you from personal experience that the steaks are outstanding!
The Canadian and US Departments of Agriculture have set up organic certification programs that require all organic food to meet strict government standards. So has Mexico. These standards control how organic food is grown, handled, and processed. Any product labeled as organic on the product description or packaging should have an official government Organic seal. There follows an example of each country’s seal. Of course, you can expect to pay more for the certified meat in the super markets NOTB because the producer incurs greater expenses in following the guidelines.
Let’s take a look inside the meat case at Carniceria La Riviera. They offer a wide selection of fresh, healthy chicken, pork and beef. In fact, the butcher, Manuel Ortiz de Dios uses his 32 years of experience to expertly cut the meat to your specifications. I had to ask what some of the items were and one captured my interest: the tomahawk steak. I had to purchase this unique presentation of a thick ribeye- it was sooo good! And so big that I had 3 meals from one steak.
Victor was kind enough to send me a recipe- since I had never seen this cut, I didn’t know what to do with it. “I love all beef meals and I really enjoy great steaks so I decided that I could combine my two passions by owning an organic meat store. To make sure that the cattle meet my standards, I raise them myself.” His lovely wife of seven years, Icela Londeros Leon, manages the operation of the butcher shop. She loves helping the customers. “We can cater or fill large orders with enough time,” she said. The shop has great weekly promotions and specials that are posted on Facebook- just enter the name.
Another item that I had not seen before was a beef neck. It was explained that the meaty beef neck was used for birria or chops. In case you don’t know, the ubiquitous and popular birria is a meat stew or soup. The meat is marinated in an adobo made of vinegar, dried chiles, garlic, and herbs and spices (including cumin, bay leaves, and thyme) before being cooked in a broth.
Victor and Icela work hard to follow their dream while providing a service to the community. It’s not a job for them, it’s living a healthy life and caring about the environment. Raising beef naturally does improve the taste and quality. Remember that organic meat has distinctive characteristics compared to conventional meat: it is kinder to animals, better for the environment, better for the soil and better for those who work the land.
Ultimately, natural grown meat is kinder to the human body. Doesn’t your family deserve the best? Once you visit the only organic meat shop in the area, you’ll become a regular customer!
