Chianina - King of Beef

/

Chianina are large white cattle, an ancient breed that is traced to pre-Roman times , raised by Etruscans in the Chiana Valley south of Florence. When fully grown, bulls can stand six feet tall at the shoulder and weigh more than 3,000 pounds. They were used as beasts of burden, plowing fields and pulling carts, until tractors were introduced in the 1960s. Now, their meat is prized by gourmets worldwide.

Typically the animals are processed before they are fully grown (14 - 18 months) and the Italians refer to the meat as “vitellone” which means big veal. The meat has a rosy, rather than red color, with low marbling (fat), which makes it lower in cholesterol and easier to digest than most beef. The flavor is mellow and distinctive.

The Chianina lost popularity in Italy in the 1980s, primarily due to cheaper foreign breeds that were imported. The Chianina have become popular in North America and Europe, but usually crossed with Charolais, Limousine or Angus. In recent years, Italian breeders have kept the bloodlines pure and Chianina is once again found in the butcher shops and restaurants in Italy.

Last year, M’tucci’s became the only restaurant to serve pure Chianina beef, which is raised on a ranch in Southern New Mexico. Due to the limited availability of the beef, we currently use it for our meatballs. However, this weekend, you can try it at home with our Prep Kitchen kit of Chianina Burgers with Smoked Cheddar and Hatch Green Chile. The kit also includes Salt Water Potato Salad with M’tucci’s House Bacon and four Red Chile Chocolate Chip cookies. The kit feeds 4 for $37.

This weekend, the best Green Chile Cheeseburger in Albuquerque & Rio Rancho could be at your house!

Weekend Specials

M’tucci’s Italian

24 oz Hand Cut Porterhouse - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Balsamic Reduction  $32

Pan-Seared Swordfish - Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Artichokes, Sautéed Arugula, Lemon Cream Sauce $21

Duck Prosciutto, Local Oyster Mushrooms, San Marzano Tomato Ragu tossed with House Made Campanelle Pasta $17

Sunday Only: Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs, Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach and House BBQ Sauce for $27

M’tucci’s Moderno

24 oz Hand Cut T-Bone, Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Italian Salsa Verde $28

Roast Chicken (half), Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus & Cranberry Gastrique $19

Sunday Only: House Made Lasagna with Herbed Ricotta, Five Pork Bolognese and Roasted Tomato Marinara. Single portion for $16 (it’s large) and a double portion with a salad for $30.

M’tucci’s Twenty-Five

Pan-Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Grilled Escarole, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Grilled Escarole, Seared Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce and Prosciutto Powder $25

Seared Bone-In Pork Chop - Caramelized Onion, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sauteéd Greens, Capers, Lemon Cajon Butter Sauce $21

M’tucci’s @ Home

You will find our Artisan Bread and Ravioli Meals at your local Albertsons Market. Also, we also have our Artisan Bread, Shrubs, cheese and cured meats in the deli counters at all M’tucci’s locations.

Just a Few More - Missing Italy

Thanks for reading, see you next Friday. Ciao!