Q: I just enjoyed a great big short rib at Mama Ricotta’s. I cook these at home, but I can never find quality meat that is a good size and not full of fat. Do you know anywhere that carries restaurant-quality short ribs?

Tom: Get thee to a farmers market! Pretty much all of them have at least one cattle farmer who can provide you with delicious, responsibly raised short ribs, as well as a long list of other cuts, including many hard-to-find items. To call out a few, check out Evans Family Farm and Allen Family Farm at Uptown Farmers Market; R&S Farm and Windy Hill Farm at South End Farmers Market; plus J4 Cattle Company and Underwood Family Farms at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Your options are about to improve with the spring/summer seasonal markets opening soon. Check out our farmers market directory for all the details.

Q:  I want to get local honey for my allergies. What’s the best one to get?
Tom: At the risk of sounding like I’m on a permanent loop, your local farmers market is always your best bet for hyperlocal products, especially honey, which can vary in anti-allergens from neighborhood to neighborhood. Some of our favorites in the area are Bizzy Bee, Gather Ye Honey, Herb’s Honey, Hodges Family Farm, and Rocky River Farm. Many of these also offer online ordering in addition to farmers market sales.

Q:  Who is already increasing prices due to the recent tariffs?
Tom: We’re still a bit early in the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs on foreign goods to see any real effect on the local consumer level. However, American Recruiter reports if you are a purchaser of processed foods, like breakfast cereals, canned soups, sodas, or mass-processed meats, you may feel the pinch a bit sooner. The same goes for foreign wines and spirits. To continue today’s theme, here is yet another reason to seek out locally produced alternatives.

Have a question for us? Email us at editor@unpretentiouspalate.com and we’ll answer it on our next Concierge Thursday!