Walk into this old-style butcher shop and you will be amazed that places like this still exist. Weathered hardwood floors, pressed-tin ceiling, butcher-block counters and traditional glass cases are filled with every variety of meat and poultry you can imagine.

Owner and expert butcher Steven Alexander opened Cumbrae's Naturally Raised Fine Meats eleven years ago after emigrating here from his native Australia. As a third generation butcher, his vision was to create the type of shop he grew up in - a butcher shop that carries high-end meat and poultry raised by specialty farmers.

"Having that 'Land to Table' connection is very important to me," says Steven, "When you get to deal directly with the farmers who breed, feed and raise the animals, you are able to ensure the quality of your product the way a large supermarket or chain-store just can't."

Not only has he realized his vision, but he has created a place that is both a part of the community along Church Street and a destination for discerning carnivores across the city.

At Cumbrae's, quality is king. Whether you're shopping for tasty air-chilled chickens, lovely lamb, pristine pork or superb steaks, you'll find it here. Looking for something a little more exotic or special for a certain occasion? Try the ostrich, pheasant, bison, venison or wild boar. Not sure what to do with that standing rib roast, or how to get your steak that perfect medium-rare? Just ask the friendly and knowledgeable staff, they'll be happy to share their expertise and their favourite recipes.

Along with all the wonderful raw meat and poultry, they offer a huge selection of prepared foods, condiments and dry goods. Shelves are lined with sauces, marinades, oils, preserves and pasta. A refrigerator case holds tempting looking quiches, tourti쳌res, and meat pies, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The back counter is filled with a dazzling array of charcuterie including their custom smoked ham, smoked duck and whole lobes of foie gras. You'll also find their house made pestos, tapenade and famous roasted garlic puree, sure to enhance any dish you make or buy.

The back kitchen also prepares a huge variety of salads, side dishes and mains that are constantly changing. On any given day, you'll find golf-ball sized meatballs, slow-cooked beef cabernet, barbecued chicken wings, roasted vegetables, coleslaw and crusty rosemary potatoes, just to name a few of the possible selections.

But Steven is quick to tell you that his store is first and foremost a gourmet butcher shop. Stop by and try any of his stupendous products and you'll be glad this Aussie chose to set up shop here in our fair city.

Cumbrae's is open 7 days a week. For more information or to place any large orders, call 416.923.5600.

Cumbrae's (Toronto)
481 Church Street
Toronto, Ontario
Phone: 416.923.5600

Cumbrae's (Dundas)
26 King Street West
Dundas, Ontario
Phone: 905.628.4332