Porter Road, founded by James Peisker and Chris Carter, originated as an online butcher shop as a response to the challenges they faced while working at a Nashville kitchen. Their realization of the difficulty in acquiring high-quality, well-cut meat products led them to establish their own solution. Initially, they launched a butcher shop, building strong connections with local farmers and regularly inspecting their farms to ensure top-tier quality. Notably, their commitment to sourcing from small American farmers has remained steadfast over the years. Unlike conventional practices, they decided to personally handle the meat preparation instead of leaving it to the farmers. The exceptional quality of the meat quickly earned them a dedicated local following, which eventually prompted them to expand their operations online, making their high-quality offerings accessible to customers across the United States.
How Porter Road Operates?
Although primarily functioning as an online butcher shop, Porter Road introduced a recent addition to their offerings: a subscription format. While customers can still purchase individual items starting at $8, the subscription service, with prices beginning at $65, offers more variety. It allows customers to choose from five distinct boxes and receive regular deliveries every two, four, or eight weeks. For a personalized touch, I opted for the customizable “Best of Porter Road Box,” and my selections included bacon, dry-aged ground beef, bone-in pork chop, Korean short ribs, flatiron steak, and Italian sausage.
Eco-Friendly Packaging and Sustainability: Addressing a common concern with delivered products, Porter Road stands out by utilizing environmentally conscious packaging. Instead of excessive styrofoam and wasteful materials, their orders come in cardboard boxes filled with biodegradable insulation named Green Cell Foam. This innovative cornstarch-based material dissolves under running water, reflecting the company’s commitment to reducing waste and adopting sustainable practices.
Exceptional Meat Quality and Taste
Upon unpacking the meat, it was evident that the quality was exceptional. The meats showcased a deep, rich color and intricate marbling, underscoring their high quality. I immediately began envisioning recipes that would truly highlight the meats’ excellence. Starting with the Italian sausage, I was pleasantly surprised. Unlike lackluster store-bought alternatives, the sausage’s aromatic fennel notes and texture shone in a dish where it took center stage. Cooking it filled my apartment with delightful aromas, and the taste matched the anticipation. The finely ground texture and fragrant fennel notes elevated my dish, making it one of the best Italian sausages I’ve experienced.
The flatiron steak, boasting striking color and marbling, was another standout. Prepared in a skillet with a pan sauce, it offered a delectable flavor that rivaled the best steaks from upscale restaurants. I also experimented with marinating and cooking the meaty bacon through both baking and frying. The superiority of Porter Road’s bacon compared to typical store-bought brands was evident in both taste and texture.
Is it Value for Money?
Without a doubt, Porter Road is worth the investment. Its meats are among the finest I’ve ever tasted. For those who frequently include meat in their meals, Porter Road offers a compelling proposition. The quality stands out, and the variety of cuts rivals that of premium butcher shops. A significant advantage is that the meat is sourced from pasture-raised, grass-fed animals and benefits from a custom-grain blend that enhances flavor and texture. With only the Korean short ribs left from my box, I’m already brainstorming recipe ideas for them. Looking forward, I’m eagerly anticipating my next shipment from Porter Road.
Reasons to Consider Signing Up
- Consideration for Health Risks: For individuals at higher risk of contracting and falling seriously ill from the coronavirus, delivery and subscription services offer a safer alternative.
- Limited Grocery Store Options: Given the challenges in the current food supply chain, particularly in terms of quality and ethical sourcing of meat, Porter Road’s delivery service presents a viable solution.
- Desire for Culinary Variety: Exploring new culinary avenues without the need for physical travel is facilitated by a meat delivery service, providing diverse options.
Porter Road’s Delivery and Subscription Options
Porter Road presents two avenues for purchasing meat: traditional ordering and subscriptions. Traditional ordering allows occasional meat purchases or trial of Porter Road’s offerings. The user-friendly interface under the Shop Tab on their website facilitates easy browsing, selection, and checkout. Subscriptions, on the other hand, offer the convenience of regular deliveries. While some customization options are available, they could be more extensive. The flexibility to choose delivery frequency and add-ons, along with the ability to modify orders, enhances the subscription experience. Notably, shipping is free for both subscription boxes and a la carte orders exceeding $100.
Meat Selections
Porter Road offers a diverse range of meat options across various categories:
- Beef: Ribeye, NY strip steak, sirloin, dino ribs, and more.
- Pork: Chorizo, Italian, kielbasa, andouille sausage links, pork butt, bacon ends, and others.
- Lamb: Bone-in leg, neck, shanks, shoulder, t-bones, ribs, and more.
- Chicken: Whole chicken, drumsticks, bone-in and boneless breasts, wings, and others.
Consumer Reviews
Porter Road garners an average rating of four and a half stars out of five on Yelp. Most reviews are positive, highlighting the meat’s quality and flavor. While some reviewers mention delivery service concerns, the majority of feedback pertains to the main location and butchery. Negative reviews often mention the relatively higher prices as a drawback.