The owners of Blue Sky Farms in Lewis have opened up the Cortez Meat Market and deli at 119 E. Main St. in Cortez.
The market sells cuts of locally raised pork, lamb and beef, plus cold cuts, cheeses, sandwiches, goulash, paninis, smoked bacon and sausages.
Hungarian owners Pete Takacs and Steve Toth specialize in raising and preparing pork from the Mangalitsa pig.
“It has great flavor and melts in your mouth. It’s known as the Kobe beef of pork,” Takacs says. “The Mangalitsa breed is from Hungary and has taken off in popularity.”
The classic deli has a spacious dining area, with the menu written on chalk boards. Long meat cases feature dozens of varieties of salami, ham, pastrami, bacon, lamb, bratwurst, prosciutto, pork chops and locally raised beef cuts.
“You pick what you want, and we grill it up for you,” Takacs said. “Business has been swift. We’re excited.”
There are varieties of Hungarian paprika and sauces on the shelves, as well as German, Swedish and Polish foods.
“I’m a fan of the Mangalitsa sausages, goulash and the Jarlsberg Baby Swiss,” said regular James Williams. “The owners are a wealth of information.”
“The grilled paninis are terrific and at an affordable price,” says another customer.
Steve Lawrence’s review on Cortez Meat Market’s Facebook page comments that it’s nice to see a small business open that is not a big box or chain store.
He “bought six types of sausage and special pork cuts and will be returning for more. This shop has a family atmosphere.”
Blue Sky Farms provides its specialty Mangalitsa pork for the Ore House in Durango, and plans to expand and hopefully take on more restaurant clients.
“We take great care in raising our animals,” Takacs said.
Cortez Meat Market is open every day 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 970-564-5844.
