Twine Modern Meat Market

Editor's note: After unfortunate construction delays, Twine finally opened on August 12, 2016, at 2921 Government Street. This article was originally published in November 2014.

During his fifteen-year-long culinary career, Chef Steve Diehl has amassed experience working everywhere from Italian restaurants to sushi bars. As a personal chef he has crossed the country and laid down roots from Nantucket, Massachusetts, to the U.S. Virgin Islands. It was while working in St. John, in fact, that he met a lovely woman named Kristin from Hammond, Louisiana. The two eventually married and settled down in Baton Rouge where he founded Good Diehl, a personal chef and catering service, about three years ago.

Diehl began to source local ingredients for his clients’ meals from BREADA’s Saturday Red Stick Farmers Market. Having a deep connection with buying local was second nature to Diehl, who was born and raised by many generations of farmers in Twin Falls, Idaho. He quickly became close to many of the local farmers and realized that, while nothing could ever take the place of a local, open-air market experience, he could supply the next best thing. “I could bring great local products to the shelves for purchase all week long,” he said. “Having a full-service butcher shop in town will be quick, convenient, and fun for everyone.” With the support of his wife and local farmers, Diehl hopes to open his butcher shop, Twine Modern Meat Market, by the end of the year. The store is aptly named after the heavy string that is used to tie up meat cuts in preparation for cooking.

Pictured left: Diehl (left) plans to source from local farms such as Gonsoulin Land & Cattle in New Iberia, owned by Shannon Gonsoulin (right).

“You should know and trust your butcher,” Diehl said. “At Twine, that means meats cut personally for you, knowing where your food comes from, being able to discuss options and preparation techniques.”  Diehl plans to source meat from local farms, including Iverstine Farms in Kentwood, Gonsoulin Land and Cattle in New Iberia, and Hollywood Livestock in Baton Rouge. He also plans to showcase vegetables from Covey Rise Farms in many of the pre-made side dishes that will be available for purchase at the shop. Seasonal offerings will include healthy dishes like truffle turnip mash, local green beans with caramelized onions and goat cheese, and twice-baked potatoes.

“We aim to be a quick-service, carry-out restaurant for dinner,” Kristin Diehl said. “We are an easy drive from downtown business and hope to offer professionals a quick and convenient way to solve the ‘What’s for dinner?’ issue many busy families face.” The couple, Mid City residents, are excited to set up shop in the area. “This neighborhood hosts individuals passionate about being a community by supporting each other and supporting local merchants,” she said.

A selection of bundled meals (a marinated meat paired with the side of your choice) will change seasonally. Kristin said her husband’s menu will bring something different to the area. “Steve is more of a world cuisine cook. His dishes will make people try something outside of their comfort zone,” she said. One highlight will be the foie gras burger, which features locally sourced beef served on a toasted English muffin with onion compote, white cheddar, and foie gras dipping sauce. 

Steve Diehl cannot wait to stand behind his meat counter. “I truly have a passion for local beef products,” he said.  One of his favorite culinary experiences was working behind a sushi bar. “I liked interacting with customers seated at the sushi bar,” he said, “I will get to do that every day at Twine.”

Details. Details. Details.

Twine Modern Meat Market

2921 Government Street

Baton Rouge, La.

Follow Twine on Facebook

and on their webpage.

twinebr.com • facebook.com/twinebr

A Good Diehl

agooddiehl.com