Homestead Meats Evanston

This week's features a shoutout to two special customers, an important reminder, and a for the steak-savvy.

https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_06-18-24

From Ehran:

"It's a very special week and a very special MeatMail!

First, we are unveiling a new logo to commemorate and celebrate our 10th anniversary. It has been an incredible journey.

As we reach this milestone, I can say that the shop is about much more than just its goods. It is about community, people, and relationships.

I am deeply grateful for so many of you who have, beyond just shopping at Homestead Meats, also shared your lives with me. This is what keeps me going day after day. We walk together!

I am grateful for everyone who has worked at Homestead over the years. I grew and learned something about myself from each one of you.

Above all, I am grateful for our current, most awesome crew: "Magic Mike," "Colorado-Man" Kurt, and "Catwoman" Lily. Thank you!

We will celebrate this Sunday, offering meat snacks and bourbon shots if you'd like. It's also Father's Day, so let some testosterone flow and your grill sizzle!

This Friday through Sunday, with every purchase of $50 or more, you'll receive this insulated grocery bag (while supplies last). I received a similar one two years ago, and it quickly became my favorite shopping bag. I knew it would be the perfect gift for my cherished customers.

Love you!"

This week, Ehran is excited to make an old-school French charcuterie that he's missed very much — Rillette.

Rillette is pork (typically, but sometimes duck or rabbit) that has been confit slowly for so long that it transforms into a smooth, rich, intensely flavored spread. Serve it at room temperature over toast, crackers, or baguette, and you will experience jazz music in charcuterie. Find your own interpretations when we offer tastings this Saturday afternoon.

It's just one of the items in the weekly : https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_06-04-24

The is where you find out the weekly specials, including the . You can view it here and sign up to receive it directly in your inbox. https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_05-28-24

Memorial Day weekend: the most popular weekend for grillers and gardeners. As much as I love setting up my vegetable garden and annuals, I'm not a fan of crowded and hectic places. So on this weekend, I stay away from any garden center. I recommend that you do the same. That leaves us with the second option, grilling!

To secure your Memorial Day menu, please place your order as soon as you can, or just swing by to see what's available.

Notes:

- Our Berkshire pork from Kilgus Farmstead is first-rate, but it's nice to mix it up when possible. Another farm partner is sending us a different heritage breed of hog, Red Wattle. I'm not sure of its size at this point; it may not be a large one. I will know tomorrow. If you're intrigued, feel free to call in to reserve a specific cut.

- Interested in upping your grilling game? Our offerings now include a limited number of very nice, accurate, and professional Escali meat thermometers equipped with an extra-long stem to protect you from the heat.

It's going to be a fun week. Hello, holiday weekend, summer food, and . . . cicadas!

Here's your weekly : https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_05-21-24

The Main-Dempster Mile's Evanston Arts & Crafts Beverage Crawl is back this Thursday!

Enjoy craft beverages made in Evanston and explore the works of local artists as you visit the friendly shopkeepers of the Main-Dempster Mile. This year, we are excited to welcome Joerg Metzner Photography as he shares his “Picturing Evanston” project.

The Crawl also marks the return of our popular summer-friendly Taco Meat 🌮, a convenient heat-and-serve option for easy, delicious meals. We'll be offering participants a tasting to inspire your next casual dinner or patio gathering, pairing it with our featured beverage: Temperance Beer Co. Basement Party, a refreshing unfiltered American lager.

We've included a link to the details in this week's : https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_05-14-24

From Ehran: "I was a stay-at-home parent for my kids' entire childhood years. I was deep in the trenches of all the activities, doctor visits, cooking, cleaning — the list is long — sharing time with countless moms and their kids. It was a privilege. But it was also, as those of you who do it day in and day out know, a grinding and demanding undertaking, a job whose fruits you get to see only years later.

This Mother's Day weekend is also my youngest's college graduation. It's probably the last graduation for me, not counting those of any future grandkids. I cry at my kids' graduations, from grade school through college. We have always been a good "crying family," never holding back our emotions. Even as I write this, easy tears, full of joy and deep feelings, fill my eyes. That's how I like it.

So this weekend, dear moms, rejoice and appreciate your beautiful role in life, whether your kids are graduating from college or are still in diapers."

Here's this week's : https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_05-07-24

Discover this week's featured items at Homestead and get inspiration for your next meal!

https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_04-30-24

Actually, steak lovers have a pretty good reason to look at this week's .

https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_04-23-24

To those who are hosting this Passover, enjoy your time in the kitchen and the pleasure of serving others! May your preparation and celebration be filled with happiness and tradition.

Here are three Homestead items I'd like to highlight for your Seder table:

• Chicken Stock – an excellent foundation for your soup recipe
• Mediterranean dips and spreads – exquisite sides from Green Cuisine
• Chopped Liver (chicken) – available Saturday!

See specials and a in the . https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_04-16-24

This week's offers rich flavor and endless possibilities.

Get the details in the latest , and don't forget to call in your Passover orders this week! https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_04-09-24

From Ehran:
Happy April, everyone! I have decided to declare that spring is here, regardless of the weather. In the coming weeks, you will see spring reflected in some of our charcuterie and sausage menus.

And, in the seasonal spirit of growth and new beginnings, I am hiring again! We need another pair of hands at the shop.

I am not prioritizing experience. Over the years, I've learned that character, commitment, and integrity are the necessary ingredients. The position will likely start as part-time, but the intention is to eventually grow into a more major role with the team.

As you know, Homestead is a small business driven by its idealistic mission above all else. Thus, we may not offer top dollar or provide the health insurance that big box stores can afford. However, what we do offer is a non-corporate, intimate, and personal environment. You'll find plenty of flexibility, understanding, and a tightly-knit community/family (yes, that's you!) that you won't experience anywhere else.

Interested? Please email me at [email protected] (no Facebook or Instagram DMs, please).

As Easter draws near, our thoughts turn to the perfect start of any celebration: breakfast and brunch!

We crafted many of this week's sausages to enliven your first meal of the holiday. Check out our list of offerings in the latest . https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_03-26-24

Please note that as is our tradition, we will be closed on Easter Sunday. Plan ahead to ensure your weekend menu is complete!

The countdown to Easter is on, and time is winding down to ensure that your favorite meats grace your table. We're talking succulent smoked hams, tender racks of lamb, and more — all of the Easter favorites that make your celebration a hit. This Sunday marks the final day for orders. After Sunday, we'll see what we can do, but availability is not guaranteed.

Visit the shop or call us at 847-868-8040 to place your order. Here's the latest -

Homestead Meats Update for March 19, 2024 What special items are in the case this week? Here's where you find out.

Looking for ways to cut down on plastics? We can help a little. Details in this week's .

Homestead Meats Update for March 5, 2024 What special items are in the case this week? Here's where you find out.

This week's has been posted, and it includes a new !

Homestead Meats Update for February 27, 2024 What special items are in the case this week? Here's where you find out.

St. Patrick's Day is coming soon! Because our Corned Beef preparation process spans 12–14 days, we need to get your order this week or by the first week of March at the latest.

We offer three options:

☘️ Finished Corned Beef: Just steam it with cabbage and potatoes for about an hour. ($20.99/lb)

☘️ Brined Brisket: Flavored and ready for you to cook. It needs around 3 hours of simmering with a pickling spice packet that we provide, then additional time with your cabbage and potatoes. ($18.99/lb)

☘️ Fresh Brisket: A blank canvas for those who prefer to do it all—corning, simmering, and finalizing the dish. ($14.99/lb)

More updates in the weekly ! https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_02-20-24

As part of the "Love Letters to the Main-Dempster Mile" event, Rosemary N., a cherished customer, submitted a bit of playful verse. The MDM then transformed her words into an eye-catching poster for our window. So when Rosemary visited today, we seized the chance to get a snap of her alongside her creative contribution. Thank you, Rosemary!

Here's the weekly https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_02-13-24

This week is out of the ordinary as we gear up for the ultimate American sports holiday: Super Bowl Sunday! 🏈 We've made special preparations to ensure you have everything you need.

Here's a sample of items available this week to enhance your Super Bowl celebration:

- All-Beef Chili: We're making an extra-large batch of our crowd-pleasing handcrafted chili. Perfect for those seeking a hearty, high-quality heat-and-serve option.
- Mexican Chorizo: Spice up your homemade chili with this flavor-packed sausage. It's a surefire way to kick things up a notch.
- Temperance Beer Brats and Cheddar Brats make a rare winter appearance! Pair them with our Dilly Dally Provisions Spicy Beer Mustard for an unbeatable combination.
- Romanian Kosher All-Beef Hot Dogs
- Dilly Dally Corn Relish: This relish is not just for hot dogs—it's a nacho game changer!
- Baby Back Ribs
- Slagel Family Farm Chicken Wings

There's even more in this week's : https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_02-06-24

This week's got us reminiscing about one of our summer meals and fresh vegetables from the garden. - https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_01-30-24

If there are two things Ehran loves, it's anything pickled and partnering with quality Evanston brands that complement Homestead's mission. Thus, we're trying out new products this week: Giardiniera and Spicy Beer Mustard from . DDP proudly sources beer from Temperance, so your purchase is like tripling down on supporting local businesses.

For those who've picked up DDP's unique offerings at the Evanston Farmers' Market, we're eager to hear your favorites! - https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_01-23-24

This week's features a double-header, plus it's the perfect week to cook what I call my "Winter Holy Trinity." - https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_01-16-24

This week, we're thrilled to unveil a new addition to our sausage collection: Barese. This southern Italian sausage originates from Bari, a city at the tip of Italy's boot heel.

Many of you are already fans of our northern Italian sausage, Luganica, which features rosemary and Parmigiano-Reggiano as the core of its flavor profile. In contrast, our Barese sausage showcases a unique blend of basil and Pecorino, offering a distinct taste experience.

Here's this week's - https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_01-09-24

This week's has a request for advice, a new product (Mortadella) and another popular item in the . -

Homestead Meats Update for January 2, 2024 What special items are in the case this week? Here's where you find out.

Amazingly, another year is coming to a close. I wish you all a happy New Year! Appreciate and bless every moment of it.

We're rebuilding our case from last week and taking orders for your New Year's celebration.

The holiday falls on our regular day off, so our operating hours will remain unchanged.

Our deadline for holiday orders has passed, and we're no longer accepting phone reservations for Christmas. But feel free to walk in and shop from the case!

Our special store hours will be as follows: we will be open until 3 PM on Sunday (Christmas Eve) and then closed for two days (Monday and Tuesday) over the holiday. We will reopen for regular business hours on Wednesday.

Here's the Weekly ! - https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_12-19-23

Need to place a Christmas or New Year's order? Please call us this week!

The Kilgus Wagyu will be available starting Friday, and we still have some unclaimed Ribeyes. Here are other cuts from this Wagyu to consider:

* Bavette
* Brisket
* Flank
* Flat Iron
* Picanha
* Skirt
* Tri-tip
* various roasts

Meanwhile, here's the full for this week:
https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_12-12-23

Justin Kilgus from Kilgus Farmstead (shown with Ehran last June) raises a few local Wagyu beef that he crossbreeds with his other stock.

Producing a high-quality Wagyu requires significantly more time and feed, so patience is key. But next week, we will have some of this exceptional breed available. You can stop by the shop or call to reserve. The prices for this premium beef will be approximately 30% higher than our standard cuts.

See the latest ! https://mailchi.mp/homesteadmeatsevanston/update_12-05-2023

The many hours we spent breaking down and cutting Thanksgiving turkeys to accommodate requests created many additional parts worthy of respect. Learn more in the latest

Homestead Meats Update for November 28, 2023 What special items are in the case this week? Here's where you find out.