Some things (your recurring sex dreams about Al Gore) you like to keep on the “DL.”  Other things are definitely worth mentioning. Like Dave’s Meat and Produce on I Street in Tacoma.  The North End shop has been open only since last November, but business is booming.  And the Weekly Volcano got the word on why this is the spot to score your meat and fruitage this summer. 

Owner Derek Kipapa knows a thing or two about his fruits and veggies.  This ain’t his first rodeo.  Before opening Dave’s, he did wholesale for larger chains such as Tacoma Boys and Safeway.  Now he concentrates on customer service and quality food.  During the prime season, all of Dave’s produce comes from right here in Washington.  “Supporting local farmers is important to us,” says Kipapa. 

The produce manager at Dave’s has over 30 years experience and insists that everything is tasted before it goes on the shelf.  He even has a device to check the sugar content of the fruit.  “We only carry the very best,” Kipapa says proudly.  “The product has to taste good.”

I admit I was elated when he offered me a California white peach to try.  It looked so perfect, I almost hated to bite into it, but thank God I did.  Let’s just say I’m investigating to make sure they don’t put crack in those things.  Damn good.  The folks at Dave’s actually encourage customers to ask for a taste if they’re interested in something.  Before I left, I spotted two dames noshing on some Italian sausages. 

Whether you’re a vegetarian or a diehard carnivore like me, Dave’s has the goods. 

The meat counter is chock-full of heavenly creations.  My kisser was frothing just looking at the all natural garlic bleu cheese flank steak ($9.99lb.).  They also carry colossal peppers (available in red, yellow, and orange) that are stuffed with meatloaf.

The sausage at Dave’s is homemade and 100-percent natural, with no nitrates.  There’s plenty to choose from, including hot Italian, mild Italian, cheese and onion, and onion jalapeno.  And the workers aren’t bashful.  The meat counter is completely open so customers can see the sausage actually being made.  They’ll also cut your meat any way you like.  That sounds kind of dirty, but you know what I mean.  If you need something specific for a certain recipe, just let them know.  Every pound that leaves the shop is hand wrapped.  Some of the employees are actual chefs, and they offer up advice on ways to prepare certain meats. 

The “ready to cook” section at Dave’s is superb, and a lifesaver when you don’t have time to meticulously prepare a delish meal.  They have amazing, no hassle dishes such as Italian stuffed pork chops ($6.99 lb.) that you just take home and toss in the oven.  If you like Asian grub, try the naturally peppered beef stir fry or the curry chicken.  Cook times vary from five minutes to one hour.  “It is restaurant quality food in your own kitchen,” says Kipapa. 

Unlike some other local spots, Dave’s carries buffalo and lamb along with the trendier meats.  You can get buffalo naturally ground ($5.99 lb.) or in a top sirloin ($9.99 lb.)  A huge rack of lamb will set you back $17.99 a pound, or $9.99 a pound for skewers.  Kipapa gets all his meat from one beef, one pork, and one chicken company, while larger chains get meat from a number of different companies with each shipment.  This helps to control the quality of the product. 

The spice selection at Dave’s leaves nothing to be desired.  A wall behind the cash register holds glass canisters with more than 70 different spices, available in any amount.  There are about 10 different kinds of teas available.  If you’re a coffee person, hop over to Dave’s newly opened Espresso Bar and have a seat on the patio.  Just like the produce, you can get organic coffee.  Or, to beat the heat this summer, try a grande 16 oz. fruit smoothie for just $3.25.  Dave’s also has tasty libations for the kiddies and an assortment of baked goods.  I snagged succulent biscotti on my way out for $1.50.  

Every Saturday and Sunday, Dave’s Meat and Produce busts out the grill.  For a mere three bones each weekend you can score a fat blue cheese burger with all the fixins’.  Already the talk of the town, Dave’s will leave you licking your chops for hours.

So stop stocking your fridge with produce sourced from your neighbor’s backyard and come support the local guy.  After all, why not cast your bills toward something you stand for?  It’s more than just a market.  The people are friendly, and you can tell they’ll remember you next time. 

An affordable market with delectable burgers and “crack enhanced” peaches?  Oh Tacoma.  You shouldn’t have.

 

[Dave’s Meat and Produce, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 1312 N. I St., Tacoma, 253.280.9999]