What’s better than dining al fresco? The fresh air, the sunshine, the summer breeze (before the sultry, humid heat of late July/August descend). Whether impromptu patio picnic or full-blown basket-and-blanket affair, there’s simply nothing like a meal out of doors. Even better? There’s one place with everything you need to pack and please—Castle Prime Meats.
“But wait,” you say. “I thought they were just a butcher shop.” Au contraire. This hidden gem off Loveland Madeira Road is truly a one-stop, easy-access shop, stocking everything from fresh fruits and veg to pantry items like pastas and oils—alongside, of course, high-quality beef, pork and chicken.
But they didn’t stop there. This neighborhood store also carries pre-made sides, salads and entrees. “We keep it easy for you,” smiles manager Zack Louis. “If you don’t want to cook, we have you covered!”
And that includes Sixteen Bricks breads, Georgia peaches, sweet corn, and homegrown tomatoes from Adams County.
But the true hidden gem at this hidden gem? The Rosemary Chicken Salad. Truth—I usually make my own, ’cuz I haven’t found one that measures up. I stand corrected. It was creamy. And dreamy. Just-right without being overly … anything. “It’s refreshing and different,” Zack says. “It doesn’t dry out like most other chicken salads.” And pairs perfectly with their fresh summer salad or pasta salad. Hint, both.
Then the ultimate question—bread or crackers? I default to Triscuit, but stand corrected again. “It’s a little sweet, so I don’t think I could do a whole sandwich,” Zack shares. He’s right; half was perfect. “I think it’s a nice topper with crackers. Ritz, if you will.” Right again—I couldn’t resist just one more cracker-filled scoop.
And while Zack and shop owner John Ness are happy to share their proprietary recipe, my reco is to skip the make-your-own and just pick up some instead—why mess with perfection?
Castle Prime Meats’s Rosemary Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
2.5 lb of Amish chicken, cooked and picked
1½ cups mayonnaise
1½ cups sour cream
¼ cup fresh rosemary (leaves only), chopped fine
½ tbsp. garlic powder
½ tbsp. fresh ground black pepper
1 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
1½ tbsp. granulated sugar
½ tbsp. Kosher salt
Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and mix thoroughly. For creamier texture, add more mayonnaise and sour cream as desired.
CastlePrimeMeats@gmail.com | 10486 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland | 513.677.2442