Pearl River’s New Butcher

Anthony Santucci admits that his experience with Hollywood was a challenge, certainly very different from his day job.

“It certainly is a tough way to find love,” said Santucci, co-owner of Pearl River Meateria. Along with his Uncle Mike (who also owns Karl Ehmer’s Quality Meats in Hillsdale, NJ and Butcher in the Farm in Montvale, NJ). Santucci now runs the butcher shop which was owned and operated by Jack and Charlotte Neugarten under “Ed’s Meat Market” for over forty years.

The “love” that Santucci is referring to is his appearance on the seventh season of The Bachelorette.

“My cousin Lia called me to see if I could help out.  A friend of hers was a scout for the show and she was looking for eligible bachelors,” explains Santucci. “I thought, why not.”

He had his first interview in Manhattan and then flew to Los Angeles for the second and final interview with the network. 

“A few weeks later I got a call….I couldn’t believe it.” Santucci said with a laugh.

Santucci did not receive a rose (on the show if a bachelor receives a rose, they stay until at least the next episode), so he only appeared in one episode. With stardom in his blood he returned to the family business.

The Butcher Shop

The meateria has been open for almost three months and Santucci is new to Pearl River.  Growing up in Upper Saddle River, he attended Iona College, graduating in 2005.

“My great grandfather opened Ben’s Food Market in 1929 on 164^th Street.” said Santucci of the long line of butchers in his family. “I worked in one or another of the family shops since I was about 15.”

“I wasn’t sure that I was going into the family business.  When I got out of college I did all kinds of jobs; sold private jet time, soda, worked at Giants stadium, did a little bartending all before coming back to the butcher shop.”

The Meateria sells choice and prime meats. A favorite is the “Butter Steaks.” It is a cut off the shoulder and according to Santucci is the second-most tender cut of beef next to the filet mignon. The “Butter Steaks” are marinated in a Peter Luger sauce with horseradish or a blend of extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning and balsamic vinaigrette.

In addition to traditional butcher shop fare, the Meateria also carries free range chickens, Italian sausage, turkey burgers, already cooked and marinated ribs, alligator, duck, quail, pheasant, wild boar, duck sausage, beef tongue, wagyu beef, other game meats, hot dogs come from Kochers in Ridgefield park www.kochers.com and even bone marrow for dogs. Prices are according to market.  Santucci also carries olive oils, canned tomatoes, sauces and marinades at wholesale prices. Like an old fashioned, traditional shop all specials are posted on the shop window every day. 

Due to his appearance on the Bachelorette, Santucci has his own fan club. The club created a facebook page to talk about Anthony and The Bachelorette.  Visiting Pearl River Meateria will most likely produce its own set of fans.

Summer Closed on Mondays

Tuesday-Friday 9am -6pm

Saturday 8am-5pm

17 N Main St, Pearl River, NY 10965

(845) 735-2029