Quality starts at the source: How Ralph selects premium American beef, ages it for 21–40 days, and sources specialty seafood and poultry.

A unique butcher-to-table experience: Why customers can select their own steak, seafood, or pork chop and have it prepared in the restaurant with a complimentary side.

Wine without the restaurant markup: Explore a selection of approximately 135 wines, including South African favorites, with no corkage fees on bottles purchased from the shop.

Stress-free holiday entertaining: Learn about fresh, never-frozen Thanksgiving turkeys from North Carolina's Joyce Farms, along with prepared holiday sides.

Rewards for loyal customers: Discover how retail shoppers earn $5 back for every $100 spent, with points that never expire.

The Steak Society experience: Find out how the $59 monthly membership includes two premium steaks, a side, and access to exclusive member events.

Growing a local business: Hear why Ralph chose Cary and how his team plans to expand throughout the Raleigh area.

"Only three out of 10 cows are making a Certified Angus Beef stamp."
— Ralph Ruocco

"There is no corkage fee in my shop."
— Ralph Ruocco

"It's not an expensive night out."
— Ralph Ruocco

"I would love for people to just come and experience the shop because I think there's something for everybody."
— Ralph Ruocco

Business: he New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar

Website: nybutcher.com/cary

Address: 1005 Portrait Dr, Cary, NC 27513 | Directions

21–40 days: Aging period for the shop's premium beef.

135 wines: Approximate number of bottles available.

$5 back per $100: Retail loyalty rewards, with no expiration.

$59 per month: Steak Society membership with two premium steaks and a side.

25+ years: Ralph and his partners' experience working together in the restaurant business.

00:00 — Welcome to Cary Spotlight Connect

00:21 — Meet Ralph Ruocco and The New York Butcher Shoppe

00:54 — Beyond the Traditional Butcher Shop

01:36 — Sourcing Premium Beef and Specialty Proteins

02:44 — Wild-Caught Salmon and Seafood Quality

03:24 — Understanding American Beef and Quality Standards

04:56 — Shopping and Dining Under One Roof

06:43 — Thanksgiving Turkeys and Holiday Sides

08:32 — Loyalty Rewards and Customer Benefits

09:20 — Affordable Wines and No Corkage Fees

10:45 — Exploring South African Wines

11:55 — Ralph's Business Partners and Expansion Plans

12:32 — Why Cary and the Triangle?

13:16 — Balancing the Butcher Shop and Restaurant

14:28 — Ralph's Invitation to the Cary Community

16:27 — Discovering the Steak Society Membership

Historic Center and Plaza Mayor:
Lima’s old downtown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spot where the city was founded back in 1535. Stroll the grand square, peek inside the Cathedral, catch the changing of the guard at the Government Palace around noon, and tour the spooky (and fascinating) catacombs beneath the Monastery of San Francisco.

Huaca Pucllana:
This giant adobe pyramid was built by the Lima Culture between 200 and 700 AD, long before the Inca, and it sits right in the middle of the Miraflores neighborhood. Take an evening tour when the ruins glow under soft lights, then grab dinner at the restaurant overlooking the site for a meal you won’t forget.

Palomino Islands:
Just a short boat ride from the port of Callao, these rocky islands are home to big colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds. Pull on a wetsuit and swim alongside the curious sea lions, or stay on deck and enjoy the show. Most trips take about two to three hours.