Valley Provision

This morning, our housekeeper found a plastic bag from Best Provisions in Newark (see review in Unilocal) where I had bought 5-​lbs of Sid’s hot dogs last week. So I told her about Best and then, in return, she told me about «A Casa do Mario» meat market in Newark. She said that for palomilla — cuban steak — Casa do Mario had great meat at great prices.
So, for the gigantic BBQ planned for the 4^th, why not make palomilla in addition the the burgers and sausage, and leave the Sid’s dogs to amuse the refrigerator for the weekend? And what better excuse to drive to Newark to Casa do Mario?
Punch this address into your nav or google maps: 223 Wright Street, Newark, NJ 7 114 and start to drive. Casa di Mario is actually the retail store of Valley Provisions — a meat wholesale butcher and distributor. Park on the street or in the parking area below the loading docks and enter the retail store, which is well marked. You’ll go past racks and shelves of exotic spices in large containers to the meat counter manned by 7 or 8 butchers in white coats. Be sure to take a number from the dispenser at the end of the wall on the left, just to the right of the cashier’s window.
We were novices at buying meat for Cuban dishes, but the butcher was very helpful and gave us a 12-​lb boneless Top Sirloin which he kindly sliced into ½ thick tranches for the palomilla.
So, there it is: 12-​lb boneless top sirloin…$ 2.39 a pound! Sliced! Whoa! I’m there forever. Since I do many smoked whole briskets, I asked the price and was quoted $ 1.99 per pound for the whole packer’s cut, cryo wrapped. This is the best price l’ve found in the area.
So, if you’re anywhere near Newark, or even if you’re not so near, take the drive to Valley Provisions, A Casa do Mario, and meet your meat.