Is the Wine'ing Butcher open yet?

Living the Dream · 04-18-2009, 07:03 PM

I've been to the Whining Butcher about 40 times over the last 4 years or so in Gilford since it opened. The couple that owned it is very nice and work hard.

I enjoyed their food for the first couple of years but since the owner sold off half of the business to open another WB in Meredith the quality of the meat has gone down. And some other people have noticed. There's much more fat in the meats now. I don't know if the new owner is trying to cut corners but I tried going back a couple of times and unforunately have not been impressed. I hope the new business doesn't try to cut corners. Anyone else notice this?

Bear Island South · 04-18-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Living the Dream

I've been to the Whining Butcher about 40 times over the last 4 years or so in Gilford since it opened. The couple that owned it is very nice and work hard.

I enjoyed their food for the first couple of years but since the owner sold off half of the business to open another WB in Meredith the quality of the meat has gone down. And some other people have noticed. There's much more fat in the meats now. I don't know if the new owner is trying to cut corners but I tried going back a couple of times and unforunately have not been impressed. I hope the new business doesn't try to cut corners. Anyone else notice this?

We had steak tips tonight from the Meredith store, not much fat at all, very tasty, the hot salsa from their store was very good too.

fatlazyless · 04-19-2009, 08:15 AM

That location has a problem similar to Heath's Supermarket in that it cannot be seen from Route 25. For a retail biz, good visibility is important, just look at what the Meredith Hannaford's has for high visibility signs.

What with all the work it takes to start a new store, maybe you want to replace the existing sign underneath the Irving Gas with something that is more identifiable. 3M makes vinyl sign material that is highly light reflective that could take advantage of sunlight, and vehicle headlights to make a much more 'easy-to-see' sign.

Maybe you want to shoot off a roll of 24 color photos of your existing sign from the same location at different times & days and then go consult with one of the local sign makers: Omni Signs or Paquette Signs.

In retail, people buy with their eyes, and good signs are real important. At least, good signs sure help to get them in the door for their first visit.

Just my two dollars worth of advice that wasn't requested

Good luck with all your hard work in building a new store.

moose tracks · 04-19-2009, 08:30 AM

Where in Meredith is the new Whining Butcher located?

angela4design · 04-19-2009, 09:16 AM

FLL is right about the location, they will have to bring attention to it from the road. It's actually BEHIND the Irving on Route 25 in Meredith... not far from Hannaford, by the way.

As for a sign, I think Meredith has restrictions on signs to keep the charm of the town. (sp. thinking on the Mobil on Route 3). But, they will need a good sign visible at the roadside.

By the way, my experience has always been fantastic at the WB, esp the Steak tips and fresh ground beef. This new location is much larger, and will now feature a large seafood variety from what I hear! I'm thrilled to hear that; Hannaford doesn't always have what I'm looking for.

Irish mist · 04-19-2009, 10:31 AM

I've never had a problem there yet. I was just in there last week, no complaints.
________
Ns500

Lakesrider · 04-19-2009, 02:58 PM

Too bad they couldn't do something with the Irving station. Do a fill up, or a certain number of gallons get a certain % off at the WB. Or Visa Versa....

At least until everyone knows they are there. Which won't take long this Summer if they play their cards right.

Heck. I know I've told quite a few people about it too.

Get one of those big Goodyear blimps to hover around the station....

jkjoshuatree · 04-19-2009, 06:13 PM

...but after being there twice in the last two days, I don't think it will matter all that much.

I think word of mouth will make this business thrive.

I went in yesterday to check it out and I was very impressed. Five kinds of marinated steak tips and five different chicken breasts too. Along with turkey tips, assorted chicken wings, smoked salmon, King crab legs, oysters, steamers, filets, and sirloins, the place has it all and it looks great too.

Then of course there's self-serve olive oil (one of the owners said there will be four eventually-there were two today), grilled vegies, various rice dishes, pastries, salsa, chips, baked beans, tortellini salad...I could keep going, but I'm sure you get the point.

Oh ya, can't forget, they also carry a line of meat rubs that are made right in Moultonboro (how cool is that?) as well as a extensive (and reasonably priced) wine selection!!

Oh ya, can't forget part II, they have the most amazing hot and cold sandwhiches. Yesterday I got the grilled chicken with Monteray cheese, roasted red peppers, carmalized onions and greens on a Ciabatta roll...amazing!! And it was so good I stopped on my way back to Boston today and got their Cuban sandwhich, which was also very good (however, I prefer pickle slices rather than relish on my Cuban, but that's just me).

I also got some chopped sirloin for my puppies (I know, they're spoiled) and some Honey Maple turkey. They loved both of them.

Very cool place, very clean, very shiny, and very accomodating. There was an older gentleman in there today looking over the sandwhich menu and couldn't seem to find anything he liked so he asked if they could just make him a regular old fashioned cheese burger (which isn't on the menu) and they said they'd be happy to.

I've been driving my wife crazy talking about this place since I got home so I decided to "vent" my opinion on here to get it all off my chest.

Can't wait to go back and try it all!

They have brick-grilled pizza too! And if you need something specific the owner (I think-young guy, Jeff maybe), said to just let him know and he'd try to get it.

Okay...I'm done. I'll shut up now.

boat_guy64 · 04-19-2009, 06:56 PM

We stopped in yesterday just after having lunch at Canoe. Although we weren't hungry at the time, I couldn't resist getting some lemon pepper chicken and grilling it last night. It was extra good. Lots of interesting things and they told us that they are trying to make it a one stop market. Get your meat, wine, as much local produce as they can get, nachos, salsa and everything you need to make a meal.

The place is really nice and extra clean. The sandwich and lunch menu look really good and we'll be trying that soon.

I wish them the best of luck and hope that everyone can find it behind the Irving station.

Lakesrider · 04-20-2009, 07:56 AM

Stop. Stop..... I'm salavating now!

I am just picturing this Summers BBQ's.......

steadyon · 04-20-2009, 08:28 AM

Joshuatree,
I totally agree, place is great!!!
I had the cuban yesterday and I agree with the relish thing
(personal preference of pickles also) we can just ask and they will
use pickles instead.
I love it!
cant wait to try the pizza!
very nice addition to Meredith

SAMIAM · 04-20-2009, 09:53 AM

Stopped yesterday for the grillmaster steak tips......sooooo good.Going back today to try the Cuban.We get them in Cuban restaurants in Florida,so it will be interesting to compare....will definately ask for pickles.

jkjoshuatree · 04-20-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steadyon

Joshuatree,
I totally agree, place is great!!!
I had the cuban yesterday and I agree with the relish thing
(personal preference of pickles also) we can just ask and they will
use pickles instead.
I love it!
cant wait to try the pizza!
very nice addition to Meredith

...I guess I just wasn't paying attention as I was reading the menu when it said relish; I was too hungry and my mind didn't get that far in the description.

Oh well-there's always next time!!

By the way, I told the owner about us (Winni.com people) and he loved that we all give our honest, unsolicited opinions. He said he wants to hear it all, good or bad so he can fix what's wrong and make what's right even better.

Cheers to him!!

I know that place will do great! Between that, the new Hannaford's, and all four Mills Falls hotels, Meredith sure has come a long way in the last thirty years!

imalocal · 04-20-2009, 01:21 PM

I am going to try one of their pizzas tomorrow night - I can't wait and I will let you know! I do tend to agree that their steaks have seemed "fattier" lately. I get a steak every couple of weeks and love them, but they have had more fat the past few months.

VitaBene · 04-20-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imalocal

I am going to try one of their pizzas tomorrow night - I can't wait and I will let you know! I do tend to agree that their steaks have seemed "fattier" lately. I get a steak every couple of weeks and love them, but they have had more fat the past few months.

Hi, I hear what people are saying regarding fat in their steaks. Keep in mind that fat is where much of the flavor resides. When buying a good cut of steak (ribeye, strip) I always look for fat marbled through the meat. It all comes down to the cooking- get those grills hot and grill, don't barbeque, those steaks and the fat will melt and turn into flavor! And for thicker cuts- bring them up to room temp before putting them on the grill.

I do agree that if it is edge fat, that should be trimmed and the consumer should not be paying 9, 10 or more $ a pound for that- that is just a lazy butcher.

I almost stopped at the WB on Sunday but ran out of time- looking forward to another option

Lakesrider · 04-20-2009, 08:22 PM

They should have their hours on the menu...

imalocal · 04-21-2009, 09:21 AM

They are open 9 - 7 every day.

dpg · 04-21-2009, 11:44 AM

Will SOMEBODYwho has tried their pizza please give a review??

BlackCatIslander · 04-21-2009, 03:20 PM

I dropped in to see what the store was like yesterday. If I did not know where it was based upon these posts, I never would have noticed their sign. The store is very nice and will appeal to a certain segment that is willing to pay for quality meats. I do hope that they suceed but in this economy and with a small year round population it may be a challenge for them.

jeffk · 04-22-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackCatIslander

I dropped in to see what the store was like yesterday. If I did not know where it was based upon these posts, I never would have noticed their sign. The store is very nice and will appeal to a certain segment that is willing to pay for quality meats. I do hope that they suceed but in this economy and with a small year round population it may be a challenge for them.

Here's why I think they have an advantage. You can drop into the WB and get all the fixins for an outstanding meal for several people for $25 - $30. A restaurant meal would cost $100+. Further, during the summer I hate going to restaurants on a Saturday because it's so crazy. So I get the relaxed feel of home with some friends, get to show off my grill work, eat a fabulous meal that people rave over, and I save $75. What's not to love?

I agree things slow down over the winter a bit but such a business is very scalable. They can keep a smaller inventory over the winter and shed seasonal staff. The Gilford store has been doing OK during the winter and they have been open for a while. Meredith is also fairly busy all year round these days and if you're coming in to Hannafords for groceries anyway and you want splurge for a meal or two, the WB is just down the street.

I'll bet they do OK.

04-18-2009, 07:03 PM	#1
Living the Dream Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 14 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Whining Butcher I've been to the Whining Butcher about 40 times over the last 4 years or so in Gilford since it opened. The couple that owned it is very nice and work hard. I enjoyed their food for the first couple of years but since the owner sold off half of the business to open another WB in Meredith the quality of the meat has gone down. And some other people have noticed. There's much more fat in the meats now. I don't know if the new owner is trying to cut corners but I tried going back a couple of times and unforunately have not been impressed. I hope the new business doesn't try to cut corners. Anyone else notice this?

04-19-2009, 08:15 AM	#3
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,790 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,024 Times in 745 Posts	That location has a problem similar to Heath's Supermarket in that it cannot be seen from Route 25. For a retail biz, good visibility is important, just look at what the Meredith Hannaford's has for high visibility signs. What with all the work it takes to start a new store, maybe you want to replace the existing sign underneath the Irving Gas with something that is more identifiable. 3M makes vinyl sign material that is highly light reflective that could take advantage of sunlight, and vehicle headlights to make a much more 'easy-to-see' sign. Maybe you want to shoot off a roll of 24 color photos of your existing sign from the same location at different times & days and then go consult with one of the local sign makers: Omni Signs or Paquette Signs. In retail, people buy with their eyes, and good signs are real important. At least, good signs sure help to get them in the door for their first visit. Just my two dollars worth of advice that wasn't requested Good luck with all your hard work in building a new store. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! Last edited by fatlazyless; 04-19-2009 at 10:54 PM.

04-19-2009, 08:30 AM	#4
moose tracks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Loudon, Tennessee, foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains Posts: 283 Thanks: 340 Thanked 41 Times in 33 Posts	Where in Meredith is the new Whining Butcher located? __________________ Moose Tracks

04-19-2009, 09:16 AM	#5
angela4design Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 353 Thanks: 45 Thanked 54 Times in 38 Posts	Location FLL is right about the location, they will have to bring attention to it from the road. It's actually BEHIND the Irving on Route 25 in Meredith... not far from Hannaford, by the way. As for a sign, I think Meredith has restrictions on signs to keep the charm of the town. (sp. thinking on the Mobil on Route 3). But, they will need a good sign visible at the roadside. By the way, my experience has always been fantastic at the WB, esp the Steak tips and fresh ground beef. This new location is much larger, and will now feature a large seafood variety from what I hear! I'm thrilled to hear that; Hannaford doesn't always have what I'm looking for.

04-19-2009, 10:31 AM	#6
Irish mist Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 686 Thanks: 128 Thanked 85 Times in 49 Posts	I've never had a problem there yet. I was just in there last week, no complaints. ________ Ns500 Last edited by Irish mist; 02-27-2011 at 11:46 PM.

04-19-2009, 02:58 PM	#7
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	Too bad they couldn't do something with the Irving station. Do a fill up, or a certain number of gallons get a certain % off at the WB. Or Visa Versa.... At least until everyone knows they are there. Which won't take long this Summer if they play their cards right. Heck. I know I've told quite a few people about it too. Get one of those big Goodyear blimps to hover around the station....

04-19-2009, 06:13 PM	#8
jkjoshuatree Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 642 Thanks: 349 Thanked 145 Times in 77 Posts	I Agree About The Signage... ...but after being there twice in the last two days, I don't think it will matter all that much. I think word of mouth will make this business thrive. I went in yesterday to check it out and I was very impressed. Five kinds of marinated steak tips and five different chicken breasts too. Along with turkey tips, assorted chicken wings, smoked salmon, King crab legs, oysters, steamers, filets, and sirloins, the place has it all and it looks great too. Then of course there's self-serve olive oil (one of the owners said there will be four eventually-there were two today), grilled vegies, various rice dishes, pastries, salsa, chips, baked beans, tortellini salad...I could keep going, but I'm sure you get the point. Oh ya, can't forget, they also carry a line of meat rubs that are made right in Moultonboro (how cool is that?) as well as a extensive (and reasonably priced) wine selection!! Oh ya, can't forget part II, they have the most amazing hot and cold sandwhiches. Yesterday I got the grilled chicken with Monteray cheese, roasted red peppers, carmalized onions and greens on a Ciabatta roll...amazing!! And it was so good I stopped on my way back to Boston today and got their Cuban sandwhich, which was also very good (however, I prefer pickle slices rather than relish on my Cuban, but that's just me). I also got some chopped sirloin for my puppies (I know, they're spoiled) and some Honey Maple turkey. They loved both of them. Very cool place, very clean, very shiny, and very accomodating. There was an older gentleman in there today looking over the sandwhich menu and couldn't seem to find anything he liked so he asked if they could just make him a regular old fashioned cheese burger (which isn't on the menu) and they said they'd be happy to. I've been driving my wife crazy talking about this place since I got home so I decided to "vent" my opinion on here to get it all off my chest. Can't wait to go back and try it all! They have brick-grilled pizza too! And if you need something specific the owner (I think-young guy, Jeff maybe), said to just let him know and he'd try to get it. Okay...I'm done. I'll shut up now. __________________ Dream out loud.

04-19-2009, 06:56 PM	#9
boat_guy64 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Windham and Meredith Posts: 225 Blog Entries: 5 Thanks: 33 Thanked 89 Times in 42 Posts	Yum!!! We stopped in yesterday just after having lunch at Canoe. Although we weren't hungry at the time, I couldn't resist getting some lemon pepper chicken and grilling it last night. It was extra good. Lots of interesting things and they told us that they are trying to make it a one stop market. Get your meat, wine, as much local produce as they can get, nachos, salsa and everything you need to make a meal. The place is really nice and extra clean. The sandwich and lunch menu look really good and we'll be trying that soon. I wish them the best of luck and hope that everyone can find it behind the Irving station.

04-20-2009, 07:56 AM	#10
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	Stop. Stop..... I'm salavating now! I am just picturing this Summers BBQ's.......

04-20-2009, 08:28 AM	#11
steadyon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 102 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	Joshuatree, I totally agree, place is great!!! I had the cuban yesterday and I agree with the relish thing (personal preference of pickles also) we can just ask and they will use pickles instead. I love it! cant wait to try the pizza! very nice addition to Meredith

04-20-2009, 09:53 AM	#12
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,911 Thanks: 337 Thanked 1,687 Times in 593 Posts	Stopped yesterday for the grillmaster steak tips......sooooo good.Going back today to try the Cuban.We get them in Cuban restaurants in Florida,so it will be interesting to compare....will definately ask for pickles.

04-20-2009, 01:21 PM	#14
imalocal Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 42 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	I am going to try one of their pizzas tomorrow night - I can't wait and I will let you know! I do tend to agree that their steaks have seemed "fattier" lately. I get a steak every couple of weeks and love them, but they have had more fat the past few months.

04-20-2009, 08:22 PM	#16
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	They should have their hours on the menu...

04-21-2009, 09:21 AM	#17
imalocal Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 42 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	They are open 9 - 7 every day.

04-21-2009, 11:44 AM	#18
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,597 Thanks: 153 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	Will SOMEBODYwho has tried their pizza please give a review??

04-21-2009, 03:20 PM	#19
BlackCatIslander Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 201 Thanks: 52 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	A Quick Visit and A First Impression I dropped in to see what the store was like yesterday. If I did not know where it was based upon these posts, I never would have noticed their sign. The store is very nice and will appeal to a certain segment that is willing to pay for quality meats. I do hope that they suceed but in this economy and with a small year round population it may be a challenge for them.