One of the coolest things I get to do at Nino’s is create stuff. It’s even more fun when I get to watch people sample and enjoy what I’ve created and put it into their shopping cart to take home.

Recently, I created a product called Zap Butter. It started as an idea to bring a new taste experience to all of our customers who love to grill and enjoy the great products from our Meat and Seafood Departments.

Before Zap, customers could accent and dress their meat and fish selections with rubs, marinates and sauces–all great choices. NOW, we’ve added a product that fits an entirely whole new category of flavor choices.

What is Zap Butter?

Zap is what we chefs call a “compound butter”. These begin with butter but have all sorts of fantastic flavors added to enrich the taste experience. Added flavors include those like roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, green onions, crisp bacon, or natural roasted beef.

How do you use Zap Butter?

Using Zap is the easiest part. Simply prepare your steak, chop or fish as you normally would. While it is still hot, place a tablespoon of Zap Butter on top and let it melt. The combinations of the natural juices from the meat or fish mixed with the butter and garnishes create a sauce that is truly an experience better tasted than explained.

Choices, Choices, Choices…

When it comes to Zap Butter, I realized that one flavor does not necessarily fit all. So, I created 3 unique flavors of Zap.

• The “Original” is made with beef, onions, soy sauce and garlic with a kick of pepper, and it is fantastic on grilled steaks and chops.
• The Savory Mushroom is just like the name says: full of mushrooms with garlic, onion and spices. This one goes equally well with red meats and poultry.
• Lastly, the Crispy Bacon is not only a terrific finishing butter for seafood and poultry but it also makes a wonderful butter sauce for pasta!

You’ll find Zap Butter only at Nino’s (in our Meat Department) but we hope you’ll also find it in your home refrigerator and try it this coming Labor Day weekend.

I think Zap really fills that gap between rubs and sauces, and they’re flavors you’ll savor. Let me know what you think!