span.fullpost {display:inline;} Holland Court Meat Market
Address: 1423 Lexington Avenue (at 93rd Street)
Phone: (212) 289-8490

I am so fond of Holland Court Meat Market on the corner of 93rd & Lexington. Over the past few years I have been tackling my goal of trying out new meals from the various cook books I had received as gifts and the multiple recipes I’d snipped out of magazines. Holland Court has been and is my go-to spot for all of my meats, poultry and seafood to tackle these recipes. Everyone in there is so friendly and helpful. You walk in and you receive a big hello. Even the people leaving the store are smiling as they head out the door. Not only is everyone so kind but they are patient. There aren't many places I can walk into and ask for "8 ounces of chicken please" as I recite from what I am pretty sure I had read in my cook book. Ounces?

Or asking for filet of beef and they’d ask me "how thick?" and I’d look at them blankly. They simply ask me "what are you making?" and "for how many people?" and I’d tell them and they’d know just what to do. I could go on...I giggle when I recall my time attempting to make coq au vin and I, of course, came in there to order the chicken. They had so many questions and when I told them what I was making and they knew just what to do. They knew I was pretty clueless and doing my very best at tackling this recipe, but they were so sweet and patient with me the entire time. They are all so appreciative of their customers, which I love.

Beyond their friendliness, Holland Court's quality is superb. Everything has been fresh and delicious and they are willing to answer any questions and offer tips to their customers. They have a pride in their job. Other places in my past neighborhoods are quite frankly cranky and looking at the clock every time they wrap up an order for another customer holding on to his or her ticket. That may be because their customers are not as friendly as they may be in the Carnegie Hill neighborhood. I suppose it's give and take of course. But the experience at Holland Court is always a happy one for me!

By Laurie Ballentine Ferris

For more information, visit: hollandcourtmeat.com