Pat LaFrieda

Teaches at La Scuola at Eataly Flatiron

New York native Pat LaFrieda was first introduced to the meat world in the summer of 1981 when he was just 10 years old. He began learning the tricks of the meat trade from sunrise to sundown under the watchful eye of his forefathers. 28 years later, he owns and operates New York City's most prestigious and most valued meat packing facility.

Selling to the finest restaurants around the country including Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and Chicago, Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors is synonymous with quality. Famous for their “chopped” not ground meat, Pat has created over 50 custom hamburger blends and is the mastermind behind such burgers as the famous “Black Label Burger” at Minetta Tavern , as well as signature custom blends at hot spots such as Shake Shack, Spotted Pig, Union Square Café, Blue Smoke and Market Table.

The Food Network debuted “MEATMEN” in spring 2014, the new reality show that follows Pat, his father Pat LaFrieda Sr. and his cousin Mark Pastore through their daily work, meeting with the most famous chefs around in the most sought-after restaurants.