Vitor is one of six butchers at our market. We love him but are not his customers. No, we’re not vegetarians, it’s just that Vitor is too good and too popular. And too busy. But we try.
Vitor is French speaking and has developed a huge following of Francophile customers who come for their weekly supplies. Carefully curated by Vitor. Kidneys nicely trimmed, a variety of grounds for custom burgers, a carefully selected roast, chopped something for beef bourguignon, boned-out rabbit and God knows what else. As long as it takes time, and they get exactly what they want. More power to them. But after being in line behind these folks one tends to look elsewhere – such as another butcher with less time-consuming customers.
One day I noticed that Vitor was not too busy – just a solo elder Portuguese lady. Her transaction was simple – a bunch of chicken feet. (good soup thickener in case you didn’t know). Just as I thought the sale was done, Vitor asked her a question and I knew I was doomed. Of course she’d like him to trim the toenails!
On another quiet morning, I waited and watched as he singed the hairs off four pigs’ feet. It would appear that we’re destined to be Vitor groupies – standing in line to watch his show. Maybe he’ll start charging us for his butchering demos, and entertainment – and we’ll gladly pay.
