Butcher Boy Podcast #5: Cioppino

Well, we were going to do a podcast about Valentine’s Day lobsters, shrimp and surf and turf but every time I mentioned it to Fionn he just kind of shrugged, but when the thought of Cioppino came up, Fionn sprang to life. See, Fionn grew up in the city of San Francisco, not far from the birthplace of the now legendary Cioppino. The life of a West Coast fish monger revolves around the seasonal treat of Dungeness Crab, and there is no better way to enjoy it when the weather is grim than with a nice bowl of rich steaming tomato broth and sourdough bread.

Butcher Boy makes it easy to fix up at home with a Cioppino base that has all the whitefish, wine, tomatoes, herbs and spices already at their peak- you just add fresh shellfish.

If you’re in the mood to dive in a little more we decided to divulge our secrets and share the recipe so you can do it from scratch.

So come on in and see Fionn or Mike in Reno, or Jules in Sparks to get set up with a quick and yummy dinner.


Cioppino for Four

BASE:

1/2 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion (1 large onion)
1 cup chopped green and red bell peppers

1 cup chopped celery, include some leaves
4 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 large tomatoes, diced OR 1 large (28 oz or so) can of stewed tomatoes
3 cups fish stock or clam juice
2 cups red wine
2 cups V8
An bouquet garni of bay leaf, parsley, oregano, thyme and basil

Salt and pepper to taste


SEAFOOD:

2 pounds white finfish- cod, halibut, bass, snapper, etc. - diced into 1 inch cubes

3 pounds shellfish- crab is a must, clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, scallops etc.

MISC:
Truckee Sourdough Ciabatta or Sourdough Baguette

Good bottle of red wine, my favorite is Hahn Syrah


Start with a nice big pot since you have to fit all that scrumptious fish and broth into it! Heat and add oil, add celery, onions and peppers and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more.

Add everything but the fish, simmer the broth for at least 1 hour to get all the flavors married together- add more wine/stock as needed.

Add the finfish to the pot and stir gently, let cook 5-6 minutes. Add the shellfish and stir gently to cover everything in broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let simmer 5-7 minutes more.

Scoop generous portions into bowls, tear the bread and pour the wine. Eat, enjoy, repeat.

Weekly Special

Organic Scottish Salmon (Fresh!) - $15.98/lb.

Prime Rib Sandwich (In the deli) - $10.98

New Study Reveals Key Insights Into Mind Of American Grocery Shopper

Info snack! If you feel you are in the 68% percent who "expressed increased concern about chemicals in food products", then we're right there with you. At Butcher Boy, we only sell 100% all natural foods. We believe in healthy eating, healthy living and a healthy community. So, shop local, shop natural and shop us first for the best quality and a healthy alternative.

"The new American Grocery Shopper Study reveals key findings in the areas of current and future spending habits, brand preferences, attitudes toward organics and environmental accountability, and a profile of today's "early adopter" shopper. Among findings, more than half (52%) of U.S. grocery shoppers said they plan to eat at home more often than in 2008. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about chemicals in products: 68% expressed increased concern about chemicals in food products; 63% in household products; 57% in skin care products. In addition, 80% of shoppers who qualify as "early adopters" - first to try new products - are women."

Source - Trend of the Day

The New TV Spot

If you haven't seen it running yet, here it is. Turned out great and I get hungry every single time I see it! Thanks to Ken and Clint for allowing us to disrupt business for a bit. Be sure to drop your comments at the end of this post.



Credits:
Creative and Copy Writing - Media Directions
Shoot and Edit - ZHAP!

Behind the Scenes of the Butcher Boy TV Shoot

We wanted to share a little behind the scenes look at the recent TV shoot. Currently, our friends at ZHAP! are editing the spot and we'll post to the You Tube channel and which local programming for you viewing pleasure.

WARNING! We are not responsible for immediate hunger pains after viewing... but we absolutely will provide you with the cure when you swing by either the Reno or Sparks location.

Here's the slide show...