Reserve's Farms: S&S Lamb

Death to stagnation! I would be writing about how great potted pig's tongue is, or would be, but Chef thinks it may not sell well. He's probably right, unfortunately. If, however, any readers would show interest via comment, perhaps you may see it after all. Our charcuterie should rightly have something that scares you. Something that makes you bring it up to your friends, or at the office. It makes you wonder what it's like..how gross and alien you perceive it to be. Then, after all this deliberation, you might have worked up the nerve to actually try it, and possibly even like it. I suppose I'm beginning to rant a little, but I feel better, and you are still reading. So, let us talk about one of our farmers.

Pierre and Sharon Schierbeek & Family operate out of McBain, MI. Their land and animals are chemical free. Their animals fertilize their pastures as they graze on their land from spring to fall and their winter feed is harvested from their farm. They do not use hormones, antibiotics, supplements, or additives in their feeds. S&S lamb grow happy and healthy in this natural environment through their lives and after finishing they are processed by L & J Meats in Lake City, MI. Afforded humane butchering practices, these combined practices from farm to table directly translate the care and quality that has been invested into them.

At Reserve, we have cultured a good relationship with Pierre and his family and operations. We are currently talking about having Pierre raise specific breeds of hog for us better suited to our culinary aims. Those breeds are still being discussed, but Duroc and Berkshire are looking like good candidates. S&S Lamb are just one on many farms we use at Reserve, meshing well with the ethics we look for in sourcing our foods. They also supply us with the rabbit that has been on our menu lately, and eggs from time to time.

In addition to lamb, eggs and rabbit, S&S also sells beef, chicken, and goat. From cuts to wholes and halves and even some pet products as well. Their eggs are a steal at $3/dz when clearly inferior eggs are sold for more at the supermarket. They also sell 100% wool products harvested from their ewe flock. Find them at the Fulton Street Farmers Market every Saturday through the winter. Their store can be found here if you'd like to cook at home. If you'd like us to cook for you, well, you know what to do.