Far away from the world of fast food and pre-packaged meat, there’s the good, old-fashioned family butcher.
At San Remo Butchers, Des and Lynn Gow, who took over the business in October last year, run a real family business, working alongside daughters Stacey and Jen Harknett in the shop.
Stepping into the San Remo Butcher certainly brings back memories of an older time: meat packed up in brown paper bags, specialist cuts and service with a smile.
Des has 45-years’ experience as a butcher and he puts that knowledge to good use, sourcing the best local products available.
All the meat is locally sourced from Gippsland, and Lynn said meat bought direct from the butcher will always be better quality than pre-packaged meat from major supermarkets.
“We can also cut on demand, if you need a specific cut of meat,” she said.
In fact, it’s that personalised service that really sets this local butcher apart.
“Everything is made here, on site,” Lynn explained.
Not only does that mean people can be reassured of the quality of the contents, they can also get orders prepared specifically for their needs.
“Recently we had a lady come in who wanted thick sausages for a birthday party, but needed them the size of a hot dog, so they’d fit in the buns.
“So we made them up for her.”
Des, Lynn and the team can also offer advice on which is the best cut of meat for certain dishes, and can help you estimate how much would be needed if you’re catering for a specific number of guests.
And with an eye on the household budget, the store offers a range of fortnightly specials.
“When you buy our specials, you are going to get a good deal,” Lynn said.
“And there’s always a variety – a mixture between beef and chicken and different cuts.”
Even if you haven’t visited the store, there’s a good chance you’ve already tasted some of the San Remo Butcher products, either at a local venue or a fundraiser.
The store sponsors the Phillip Island Soccer Club, Bowls Club, Tennis Club and Kilcunda Bass Cricket Club, and regularly donates to PICAL and fundraisers by local community groups, including the CFA, kindergartens and the Channel Challenge.
Convenient
While there may be a focus on old-fashioned service, many of the products in the store are responding to the modern lifestyle.
Having lived on the island for 12 years, prior to buying the shop, both Lynn and Des travelled to the city for work.
Their range of quick, easy and nutritious meal ideas come from their own experience.
“When we travelled to the city, we’d get home late and liked meals that were quick to cook and convenient,” Lynn said.
Neatly packaged rolled mini chicken roasts, in a variety of flavours (Parma, Camembert Delight and Calzone) are perfect to pop in the oven after a busy workday.
Stir-fry mixes, marinated chops and US ribs are all full of flavour and ready for you to quickly cook and enjoy.
The meals don’t just appeal to busy families.
“People on their own don’t want to cook up a whole roast, but our mini chicken roasts are ideal,” Lynn said.
The store’s roast beef and gravy and roast pork rolls (available Tuesday to Thursday) have also provided a roast dinner alternative.
Popular with locals, especially tradies searching for a hearty lunch, Lynn said many customers buy a few slices of the roasted meat (complete with gravy or crackling if desired), and they cook up some vegetables at home and enjoy a roast dinner.
Alongside their selection of quality meat, the store stocks an amazing range of condiments and local products, including garlic, eggs, Purple Hen wines, sauces, dressings, marinades and honey.
In a nod to Lynn’s English heritage, there’s a range of British smallgoods: black and white pudding, haggis, pork pies and bacon (cold smoked and streaky).
“We only got them in at Christmas but ended up keeping them because they have been very popular,” said Lynn.
A new range of Otway pasta (fresh and dried), including pre-made sauces, is also proving a hit with regular customers.
“We’ve only just started stocking this, and the first week, some of the products sold out before we even got to put them on the shelf,” Lynn said, adding there is also a gluten-free range.
For the barbeque enthusiast, the store is now the local supplier for Charcoal King, stocking bags of charcoal, wood and a range of different rubs.
With different wood types and different bag sizes, there’s something for every barbeque lover.
If you’re looking for a spit roast, you can hire a spit from the store, or bring the rod from your own spit into the store to have the meat loaded on.
For 35 years, the store has provided a community butcher service for the local community, and Des, Lynn and family are committed to continuing that tradition.
Whatever you need, when it comes to meat, San Remo Butcher has you covered.
“People should just come in and talk to us,” Lynn said.
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