Gaucho Ranch: Beyond Grass-Fed Beef
For Pablo Liberato, May 16 is special for two reasons – it’s his birthday and the anniversary of his business, Gaucho Ranch Grill Boutique, in Miami’s Little River district. When he first moved into his warehouse in 2005, he was selling two things: Uruguayan grass-fed beef and the story behind its benefits.
Few in South Florida were familiar with leaner grass-fed beef compared to grain-fed beef. “I knew I had to educate people,” he says. In the beginning, Liberato says he ran down the bullet points about the advantages of grass-fed beef – more omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants than grain-fed beef; humanely treated animals and sustainable sourcing. He started hosting events and barbecues for a few customers at a time so they could taste the difference.
Then came a series of documentaries exposing some of the realities of factory farming in the U.S., starting with the powerful “Food, Inc.” in 2008. “People were more receptive to listen,” says Liberato. Gaucho Ranch expanded their product line beyond beef from Uruguay and Argentina to include New Zealand, Australia and Florida.
Today, Liberato says consumer awareness about sustainably raised meats has increased tenfold, encompassing demand for free-range, farm-raised and organic meats. In addition to beef, Gaucho Ranch now carries lamb; heritage pork; free-range poultry; game meats like bison, venison, elk, rabbit and wild boar; wild-caught seafood ranging from mahi mahi, wahoo and tuna to Maine lobster and Massachusetts scallops; and sausages like linguiza and morcilla.
More than just a food purveyor, Gaucho Ranch promotes the convivial experience of the South American parrillada – barbecue – through events at his Little River site. The popular grilling events have been on pause since the pandemic, but Liberato is hoping to resume in the fall. “I’m missing that a lot,” he says. They’re planning to serve sandwiches from their solar-paneled trailer at the end of the summer as the community gets vaccinated.
He also supports local food businesses, not only carrying products like Mimmo’s fresh mozzarella and artisan cheeses, Ana Cacao chocolates and other South Florida artisans, but showcasing them through their social media channels.
Looking to the future, Liberato envisions community barbecues in Homestead, actively educating about eating healthier, and following their “eat less, eat better” mantra. “I know everyone in Little River,” he says. “We collaborate. It’s that sense of community.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Gaucho Ranch, 7201 NE 4 Ave, Loft 101, Miami
