Joe Spera, the animated proprietor of Al’s Meat Market, 1165 Wilmette Ave., is happy to talk about good cuts of meat, the joys of quality American bourbon and more. He also took some time recently to chat with the Pioneer Press about the best part of his day and his favorite movies.
Tell us where you were born and where you grew up.
I was born in Chicago and grew up in Wilmette.
How long have you made good cuts of meat your career?
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My dad started the business in Winnetka in 1961. I’ve been in this location since 2001.
What’s the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is when I come in in the morning. I start the day with a shot of whiskey. I have a collection of whiskeys here. But the best part of my job is definitely my customers. I have a lot of regulars. I enjoy that.
It’s the beginning of the year. Did you have any New Year’s resolutions, and if so, have you broken any of them yet?
I don’t make any New Year’s resolutions. I figure if you don’t make resolutions, then you can’t break them, either!
Since it’s winter, do you have a favorite comfort food for the season?
I have some oxtails here, so I’ll say that oxtail stew is a favorite. Some people like to use them in soup, and you can do that, but I prefer stew. I had a great recipe that I got from a guy in Miami years ago when I was visiting my mom, but I lost it, so I’ll have to recreate it somehow.
Name your two favorite colors.
Black and white, for the White Sox. I’ve been a fan since 1959, with Minnie Minoso and the rest of that crew. Also, black and white, because everything is black and white in this life. It’s either right or wrong.
Do you have a cause or charity that you’d like people to be aware of?
I don’t have a specific cause or charity. If someone comes in here and asks for help for a local cause, or to help a local kid, then I’ll give. Larger causes or charities are not my thing.
And finally, do you have a favorite movie?
The movies I can watch over and over again are the “Godfather” movies. The second one is the best one, but I can watch them all, whenever they’re on television.
– Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.