Dine + Wine
Nibbles + Bites
by Lara Tumer |
photography by Lisa Crates
The Shop in the Neighborhood
LAKE NORMAN BUTCHERY SOURCES SELECTION OF QUALITY PRODUCTS neighborhood has done a great job of welcoming and supporting us,” they say. For several weeks, Lake Norman Butchery was one of the only local places people could find access to fresh meat and seafood with many grocery store shelves wiped clean. A few customers visited for the first time out of necessity and have returned for the superb quality. “We have some repeat customers coming every other day which is the best feedback you can get.”
JUNE 2020
Quality offerings
42 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS
W
ith an extensive background in restaurants and food sales, opening Lake Norman Butchery was an organic next step for Sam Buttine. After moving to Mooresville just about a year and a half ago, Sam and his wife and co-owner Catherine realized there really wasn’t a business of this kind in the Lake Norman area. They set out to find a space where they could offer patrons restaurant-style meat and seafood. It’s the quality of their product that really sets them apart from your typical grocery store. It took over six months to find the perfect space for the shop. The Buttines went into the search with a very specific checklist that
included details as specific as the side of the street. They landed on a new build, which ultimately pushed back their opening date a bit but gave them a shiny new space that they could not be more pleased with.
A welcome surprise Lake Norman Butchery opened its doors just weeks before many businesses were forced to temporarily close due to statewide stay-at-home orders. Sam and Catherine are shocked at how well business is doing given the circumstances and attribute their success to a few factors. Social media and word of mouth has played a huge role in getting the word about their offerings. “The
The Buttines put quality and freshness at the top of their list when it comes to their offerings. They work with a combination of local North Carolina and regional farms to be able to offer organic, natural, and grass-fed options. You’ll find local favorites like Joyce Farms and Cheshire Pork on their list of suppliers in addition to tons of seafood that comes straight from the North Carolina coast. Sam adds his personal touch with specialty house made marinade, sauces, and spice blends. In addition to meat and seafood, the shop is filled with a number of hand-picked local products like beer and wine, elderberry syrup, and an array of pastas straight from Pasta Provisions in Charlotte. You’ll also find top-of-the-line deli meats that far exceed anything you’ll find in a grocery store. They’re constantly looking to expand and build their lineup of products but always want to make sure it’s the right fit. Currently in the works is the offering of prepackaged boxes including a grab
and go boat snack box filled with gourmet meats, cheeses, and accompaniments that can be enjoyed during the summer months on the water.
Bringing the work home Like most chefs, Sam works hours that aren’t conducive to cooking an elaborate dinner when he gets home (often at 9 p.m). Both Sam and Catherine aim to lead an active and healthy lifestyle so they traditionally opt for simple, easy, and quick to cook meals that involve only a few ingredients. “The best thing you can do when you don’t have much time is to use quality ingredients.” For the Buttine’s this usually involves grilling steak or fish with vegetables. This sentiment of quality above all else is echoed throughout the business. When they do have some extra time, Sam loves the art of smoking meat—a technique that’s long and slow, resulting in tons of flavor. Those who are looking to see a menu of their offerings should check out their website where everything neatly listed by category. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, custom orders are not only accepted but encouraged. They’re able to source pretty much anything— from quail to frog and more. Lake Norman Butchery 356 Morrison Plantation Parkway, Suite B1 Mooresville lknbutchery.com Instagram: @ lakenormanbutchery Facebook: LKN Butchery
