Al Khaymeih butcher

Finding my usual butcher (Lebanese Meat Market) out of lamb shanks, I wandered across the street to al Khaymeih to see if I could get some there. I've eaten at the terrific restaurant many times, and purchase the hot, fresh pita at the retail bakery counter quite often as well. This was my first stop at the butcher counter, and I'm hooked. Beautiful, fresh lamb shanks were 3.29 a pound - less than half of WF price, and significantly cheaper than other local stores, including Harvest Times and Cermak. Excellent and reasonably priced cuts of goat, beef and poultry were abundant as well, but the highlight of the experience for me was the service. The butcher was a real pro - with both his knife skills and his customer service. I watched him cut a chicken into 8 parts in about 8 seconds, and he effortlessly and expertly frenched a rack for another customer (get your mind out of the gutter, people). Multiple times, he smilingly offered to cut any piece of meat in any way his customers wished.

My lamb shanks - braised in chianti, garlic and rosemary - were delicious. The flavor of this lamb was far superior to what's commonly available at larger markets.

I've recommended al Khaymeih many times for many things, and I'm very happy to add the butcher counter to that list.

Al-Khaymeih
4748 N Kedzie Ave
773-583-0999

Lebanese Meat Market
4657 N Kedzie Ave
773-267-6702