So it's summer and it's Father's day weekend. I'm guessing that at
least a third of the city is firing up their grills at some point today. I had the neighbors over for a cookout last night, so yesterday I made a trip to Frank's Meat and Produce (generally referred to as "Frank's," 3342 Preston Highway.)
I've lived in the Audubon Park area, where Frank's is located, for three years and everyone I talk to here just loves this place. Even though the word produce is in the name, Frank's is really all about the meat. The smell of smoky barbeque hits you in the face when you walk in the door. They sell pretty much every cut of beef and pork you'd want at the meat counter. They also make an excellent burger and barbeque sandwich. Every time I've gone in there between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., customers have been lined up for their lunch specials which consist of a huge sandwich and two sides, usually potato or pasta salads. The service is excellent, too. I've seen the guys behind the counter get pretty bogged down with lunch orders, but they're always friendly and helpful. When things are slower in the afternoons, they're quick with suggestions what to buy or how to cook different cuts of meat.
Since most customers at Frank's make a beeline for the meat counter, the rest of the small grocery store is centered around the meat. They sell an assortment of barbeque sauces, hot sauces, marinades and rubs. I've never tried any of these, but barbeque or hot sauce enthusiasts would appreciate that section of the store. Their produce section is small, focused on the basics that complement steaks or roasts, like peppers, potatoes, onions.
The store easy to miss if you're driving down Preston. It's tucked between a chain motel and fast food restaurants. The location is probably out of the way for most people, but the trip is worth it to satisfy your inner carnivore. The only downside is that there's nowhere to sit and feast on the heaping portions of their lunch specials, but they're located on Preston Highway, which I think is pretty ugly anyway. I recommend getting your lunch, and taking it over to the grassy, shady area in Audubon Park.
