Ski's Oshkosh. A "New" grocery experience in downtown Oshkosh.

Many years ago, life in cities across america was compartmental. Neighborhoods had their own grocery stores housed in what now seems like quaint flat faced, big window store fronts with a big awning inviting patrons in for their daily or weekly needs. Dairy, produce, dry goods, they carried everything they should have on hand to provide locals with what they needed. The operators knew their customers, usually on a first name basis and special orders were not a problem unless the materials were out of reach for the store.

These markets dotted the landscape of american cities and you can still see the footprints everywhere, even in Oshkosh. Now re-purposed to anything from hair salons to fortune tellers, to private residences the shadow of them is still visible even if the original intent is now hidden.

As society progresses things are on a constant course for change. Time moved on and large "big box" style grocery stores popped up offering a selection of what people wanted at a sometimes lower price, but as with anything mass produced, you lose the personal touch of somebody behind the counter that knows your name, and has your order in their head when you walk in the door. What was once a personable, friendly experience has now become another faceless, just need to get it done, hurry up, get the cheapest processed thing on the shelf, Stores where healthy and organic foods receive a special section with big signs to boast they have them. The employees can generally tell you where something is but cannot tell you what it is or where it comes from. Not their fault, it is just not a priority for their employment, as the role of a food purveyor is a numbers game more than a passion for them.

probably the coolest butcher chart I have ever laid eyes on....

Ski's Meat Market in downtown Oshkosh not only has the feel of that old school corner grocery, it IS that corner store. The classic downtown storefront with an inviting awning and a stoop greets you as you walk up to it on Main St, and a large front window so you can see the interior of the store, a classy setting for what at first glance does not look to be a disappointing prospect to walk into.
Deli counters piled high with quality sliced meats, delicious smells, dry goods, a very contemporary but stylish decor, and after a short perusal, a selection of foods to excite anybody that has experience eating beyond mass produced, processed mash that is pushed on us daily in our world. I know it's a meat market, I'll get to that, there's alot to talk about here though.

Opened in October 2014 by  Kris and Sarrah Larson, April and Chef Mike Buckarma, And Janine and Jason Faught to fill a need in the Downtown Oshkosh marketplace they have fit the bill. I'm sure you recognize at least some of those names, they all bring important additions to a place like Ski's from equipment, to grocery, to the food and preparation, and the management of it all. One thing they all certainly brought to the table was a common vision as the end product of their efforts is outstanding. Execution of something different so well that it is lasting, not a novelty. Ironically, I say something different but the values it is based on are old school, the forgotten art of quality product and good service that has been forgotten and buried in our quick service convenience based society.

Not only stocked with awesome stuff, good looking too.....

Featuring as many local suppliers as they can, partnering with places like Growing Oshkosh, to Rhapsodies Frozen Custard to name a couple, they truly aim to support the city they call home.

Beyond injecting quaility into our local food supply, they also bring a much needed boost to our downtown economy as well as provide  a service to the people that live in the area. I remember living downtown without a car. When supplies were needed, it sucked. Stocked with all the basic needs, Ski's is there to serve the community at large. It also just happens to also be chock full of things so the culinary fans can have playdates in their kitchens.
There are not many stores you can go to that the folks behind the counter can give you pairing suggestions or meal ideas using the produce, proteins, dairy, starches, and liquor, wine or beer selections all available within eyeshot of the conversation. Oh, and know your name at that too.

Wine, craft beer, good booze, Mmmmmmm....

Infused oils, and seasonings, this store has something for everybody.

So, I haven't talked about the meat yet. Have you ever heard the phrase "saving the best for last"?
Case in point just in case you ever need a reference.
I don't mean for this to sound weird but it's inevitable. I like sausage. I love it as a matter of fact. Just about any meat counter worth it's weight has some sausages they've made up, some are very good. Ski's is a playground. With a selection of unique flavors and custom orders welcome (of course there is a minimum order for the custom stuff) the imagination is allowed to run far past the standard grill it and put it on a bun mentality.

These caught my eye. Maybe tonite? Probably......

What kind of a meat market doesn't have beef? Not sure, thankfully this one does. Featuring beef from 1855 beef, this stuff is head and shoulders above what I am used to buying locally until now.

I know, it's not all full. I personally think that's a good sign. Fresh, restocking frequently to keep up with demand. That's a good sign. Don't ever eat at the empty restaurant.....

The beef is fresh, with excellent color,  and great marbling. The flavor is fantastic and the texture is something you will behold if you know what you are looking for in beef. If you aren't looking for anything specific, your reaction will be "damn this is good!"

I can't say much more about the beef. It's good. Go get a steak, cook it how you like it and it will blow you away. What else can I say about it without being redundant?

I'm almost done blathering now, just a couple more quick things.
The Seafood. Wow. Fresh, variety, delish.

Always fresh with a changing selection. Sigh........

The seafood cooler is the best thing ever to happen to my wife's pescetarian diet as I'm not afraid to buy seafood from Ski's. She has reaped the benefits of my trips to the meat market in the form of many different preparations of Mahi, Talapia, Salmon, with more to come. I'm getting hungry.....

Ski's Meat Market is a franchise brought to us by some true downtown philanthropists. We should all be thankful to have folks like this in our community bringing us things like this to enjoy.

Go shopping, cook something, eat it, enjoy it. Live life, savor it all.....

Ever wonder where all those cool photos on the Ski's Oshkosh facebook page come from?

Ladies and Gents, Kris Larson. One set of hands behind Ski's Oshkosh providing us with cool photos to grab our attention on their facebook page.

Note: If you are coming by car, the parking lot is off Merritt Street, with a backdoor entrance off the parking lot for convenience.