Mates on Crates Feat. Eugenio Masi

Mates on Crates
Written By Chef's Favourite

G’day,

Those in the know, know where to go.

We’re excited to have just launched our latest episode of Mates on Crates, featuring Eugenio Masi, Owner and Director of Operations at Columbus Meat Market in East Vancouver. A true Vancouver institution, Columbus Meat Market is a three-generation family business known for its deep Italian roots, premium meats, housemade sausages, prepared foods, panini, dry-aged cuts, and the kind of regulars-first hospitality that turns a butcher shop into a neighbourhood landmark.

Eugenio’s story begins in Italy and continues in Vancouver, where the Masi family purchased Columbus in 1991 and built it into one of the city’s most beloved butcher shops. Today, Columbus is home to a team of more than 60 people, a showcase packed with hundreds of cuts, a loyal customer base, and a shop culture built around care, consistency, value, and word of mouth.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Eugenio to chat about his family’s butchery roots, moving to Canada, the East Vancouver Italian community, the evolution of Columbus Meat Market, the famous 8 a.m. bone rush, the art of dry-aged meat, and all of Eugenio’s favourite spots.

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Each time we do a Mates on Crates interview, our guests share up to twenty of their favourites with us. For each episode, only a handful of those favourites make it into the final two minute cut. In order to highlight all of our guest’s favourites, we are happy to share the full list of favourites right here.

What to get at Columbus meats:

  • Sandwich: The Gino

  • Produce: Ribeye, black pepper and salt sausage

  • Marinade: Lamb with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and lemon

The FULL LIST of Eugenio’s Local Favourites:

Thanks for joining us on the crates, Eugenio!

Watch Eugenio’s full Mates on Crates Episode below.

Chef's Favourite
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Mates on Crates Feat. Jay Jones