Ready for war, armed with a fine knife
‘‘I especially like to work with lamb because I enjoy doing the specialty cuts.’’
His blades are sharpened and he’s ready for war - the New Zealand Butcher Wars that is.
Jared Bostock will need all his 20 years of experience when he competes against 12 other butchers on February 25 and 26 at the ASB Showgrounds.
He’s representing Fresh Choice in Mangere Bridge and hopes to slice through his competition come Saturday.
The butchers have to work their skills on stage on a side of lamb and cuts of pork within 30 minutes and they are vying for $1500 worth of cash and prizes.
Jared hopes his expertise in lamb comes in handy.
‘‘I enjoy working with all species, however, I especially like to work with lamb because I enjoy doing the specialty cuts.’’
But when it comes to devouring them, he loves a good ‘‘thick cut of Porterhouse seared and grilled to medium rare’’.
The 34-year-old dad is gearing himself up for the competition and he’s not spilling any secrets just yet.
‘‘I’m trying to be unique, using creativity and new ideas,’’ is all he’s willing to share.
He started as a cleaner at a butcher shop and grew through the ranks, and that’s his advice to all the young butchers.
‘‘Work hard, and work your way up. The best process would be to gain a job as a butchery assistant and show that you want to learn.’’
Jared says there are a lot of contributing factors that can make being a butcher a challenge.
‘‘It is hard, fast work and can be long hours. There can be machinery breakdowns.
‘‘Also the market is very competitive as there’s a shop in every suburb in the city these days.’’
But, if he weren’t a butcher he says he would be a ‘‘pilot or a mechanic’’.
And would he date a vegan? ‘‘Possibly, but I don’t know that a vegan would date a butcher,’’ he laughs.
As the only butcher from Mangere Bridge, he’s looking forward to challenging himself in front of a crowd.
‘‘I’m excited about learning new tricks, meeting people from the trade and tasting some mean ribs.’’
Meatstock features bands, barbecues, barbers, butchers and beer is slated for February 25 and 26 at the ASB Showgrounds. Tickets are priced at $35.