Quarter Circle 7 Ranch Beef And Meats

A mere 60 miles from the Loop, ranchers on horseback herd cattle through river-crossed plains of prairie grass.

What sounds like a scene from an idyllic, pre-industrial agriculture reality is daily life for Quarter Circle 7 Ranch, a young, Marengo-based operation raising free-range, grass-fed beef.

You may have already tried the farm's beef at The Bristol, Old Town Social and Sable–or if you've recently had the braised beef tongue with salsa verde at Girl & the Goat. It's found in butcher cases at City Provisions and The Butcher & Larder, too.

But Q7's unsung perk is its free beef delivery service, available in Chicago and the western suburbs. Order steaks, ribs and roasts by the cut, or by the eighth-, quarter- or half-side. The ranch raises Black Angus and a leaner, smaller (and less expensive) crossbreed; ordering either by the side slashes the retail price by 15 to 20 percent.

An eighth ($379 for Angus; $279 for the other breed) includes rib eyes and tenderloins, but also lesser-known cuts like the chuck blade steak, all dry-aged for at least 14 days.

Call to order unlisted items like marrow or stock bones, heart, liver and tongue.

Quarter Circle 7 Ranch, 22106 Anthony Rd., Marengo; 815-219-9356 or q7ranch.com