We're not sure if you've heard, but butchering is kind of a big deal right now. Across the country butchers are teaching novices how to properly handle a nice piece of meat.
We prefer watching the professionals to getting our hands dirty. There's just something about watching a man--or woman--working and cutting away at hunks of animal parts. Primal, really.
Well, for those of you wanting to check out some mano-a-mano meat carving, Whole Foods is starting up its regional butchering and fishmonger--sorry, but the fish thing is slightly less exciting--face-off next week.
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The butchers will have 15 minutes to properly cut and present a specific portion of meat. The portion--or cut--will not be revealed to the butchers until the day of the competition. Same goes for the fishmongers, they will be given a whole fish--which will be revealed the day of competition--and will have 10 minutes to fillet the fish.
Note: all fish and meat will be donated to local soup kitchens after the competition.
This will be the third year the store has hosted the event.
"The event allows us to showcase the talents, expertise and precision of our in-store butchers and fishmongers," said Whole Foods Market Florida Regional Public Relations & Social Media Associate Coordinator, Jeremy Jones, "Doing it publicly gives our customers the opportunity to learn more about the high quality meats and seafood we sell, meet their butchers and fishmongers, and become part of the experience."
The preliminary rounds take place across Florida. The competition starts Tuesday, May 21 at Whole Foods Market in Orlando (8003 Turkey Lake Road, Phillips Crossing) with Winter Park, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and Carrollwood stores competing.
On Thursday, May 23, Sarasota, Naples, Pembroke Pines, Plantation and Coral Springs stores will be facing-off at Whole Foods Market in Naples (9101 Strada Place).
On Tuesday, June 11, Whole Foods Market stores Coral Gables, Pinecrest, North Miami, South Beach and Aventura will be contending at Whole Foods in Coral Gables (6701 Red Road).
On Thursday, June 13, our home-turf teams from Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens will be going head to head at the Boca Raton store (1400 Glades Road, Suite 110).
The four winners from the preliminary competitions will be competing against each other in the next round at Whole Foods Market in North Miami for the regional finals Tuesday, June 18.
All competitions will start at 11 am.
According to Jones, "Regional semi-final winners receive a $50 Whole Foods Market gift card and a certificate; regional finalists receive a $100 Whole Foods Market gift card, a certificate, and the opportunity to compete at Feast Portland in September in the national finals."
May the best meat-cutter and fish-filleter win.
Follow Sara Ventiera on Twitter, @saraventiera.
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