Swine Time

Want your meat fresh, local and cut from a whole animal? You’re in luck.

Cole Ward [1], formerly of Sweet Clover Market [2] in Essex, has taken his classic meat-cutting skills to Green Top Market [3] in Morrisville. The market’s manager and Ward’s cousin, Bert Broe, calls Green Top “that little specialty shop that’s just a little out of the way.” Besides meats straight from Green Top Farm, Misty Knoll Farms [4] and Boyden Farm [5], the store offers home-style takeout meals such as chicken pot pies, meatloaf, and mac and cheese.

Green Top Market celebrates its one-year anniversary on November 15 with 10 percent off everything in the store except local turkeys from Stonewood Farm [6] and Misty Knoll. Broe recommends stocking up on local cheeses and wines and produce from Pete’s Greens [7] and Johnson’s Foote Brook Farm.

Two days later, Ward kicks off meat-cutting classes with a whole pig clinic [8] on November 17. Weekly sessions will continue through December 8, when Ward walks students through the finer points of deconstructing a whole lamb.

For those who like to munch meat without having to butcher it first, the Williston Gardener’s Supply [9] greenhouse is the place to do it while feeling the glow of giving back. On November 12, WinWin Events [10] will host Wine & Swine [11], a benefit for the Institute for Sustainable Communities.

Swine tasters will be treated to bites from A Single Pebble [12], The Bluebird Tavern [13], Penny Cluse Café [14], Magnolia Bistro [15] and Worcester-based “global soul food” catering company Bon Temps Gourmet [16]. Dessert will be provided by August First [17].

The “Wine” side of the bill features sips from private cellars and an auction called by former Burlington mayor and current wine enthusiast Peter Clavelle [18], joined by Kevin Clayton of Shelburne’s Village Wine and Coffee [19]. Items up for grabs include a 1994 Beringer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon valued at $375, tastings and tours at Snow Farm Winery [20] and Shelburne Vineyard [21], and dinners at Hen of the Wood [22] and Claire’s Restaurant [23].