Where do you buy meats?

The Train · 01-18-2009, 11:10 AM

Just getting ready for my first 4 meat compete. I know in some you have to present still in cryovac to keep people from pre-injecting. This one you don't (IBCA).
So, the question: Is it worth going to a butcher & paying $$$$ for meat? I know a lot of folks buy Smart & Final, Costco, etc.
What say you? BTW, can you give me your thoughts on both cryovac & unwrapped? Thanks!

C Rocke · 01-18-2009, 11:25 AM

S and F, Costco, Sam's, Stater's for pork butt, Restaurant Depot as well.

MilitantSquatter · 01-18-2009, 11:34 AM

I think the butcher is only the ideal option if you are looking for a specifc grade (ex. prime) or type/brand (ex. dry/wet aged,Waygu, Angus, Berkshire, Bell & Evan's) that you couldn't get at another location.

Paying your butcher a premium for basic grade like choice is just a waste of money and you may not get the weight or size you are looking for if you go to pickup right before a contest.

on the other hand, if you and the butcher have a great relationship and the butcher truly understands your needs then it may be worth some bucks extra $ for the time saved not having to do the grunt work yourself.

The Train · 01-18-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilitantSquatter

I think the butcher is only the ideal option if you are looking for a specifc grade (ex. prime) or type/brand (ex. dry/wet aged,Waygu, Angus, Berkshire, Bell & Evan's) that you couldn't get at another location.

Paying your butcher a premium for basic grade like choice is just a waste of money and you may not get the weight or size you are looking for if you go to pickup right before a contest.

on the other hand, if you and the butcher have a great relationship and the butcher truly understands your needs then it may be worth some bucks extra $ for the time saved not having to do the grunt work yourself.

But let's face it. Is their really such a thing as a "Prime" brisket?

Podge · 01-18-2009, 12:01 PM

I buy mine from a C.A.B. distributor, who also sells meat to high-end restaraunts here in town. They can get me whatever meat I want, whenever. Totally happy with them.

The Pigman · 01-18-2009, 12:05 PM

Restuaruant Depot and very happy with them. They get what ever I want. They also help out in time of need like a Benefit.

CTSmokehouse · 01-18-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Train

But let's face it. Is their really such a thing as a "Prime" brisket?

Yes there is ... smoked a Prime Gold Packer Brisket at Hudson Valley Rib Fest, New Paltz,NY ...bought it at Vincent's Meat Market, Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY....

Was it good...UBet!!!

Yours in BBQ,

Cliff

Rub · 01-18-2009, 12:14 PM

Family owned and run butcher for me. Their prices are very close to the mega marts that have all but killed the family run businesses. And there is no comparing the service I get.
Support the little guy!

CTSmokehouse · 01-18-2009, 12:22 PM

I'm smoking a 13.8 lb Packer Corned Beef Brisket (Pastrami mod)at this time that I got at Restaurant Depot....Looks great...

Aging two 16 lb Packers I got at Restaurant Depot...

Some ribs and butts.... and a 4lb wheel of Maytag Blue Cheese(8.45/lb)(was great on the filet of beef last night)

Guess I like Restaurant Depot...

Also like Omaha Beef, Danbury CT and Caraluzzi's, Georgetown, CT(Dave the Butcher rocks...)

Cryovac is the way to go...either from the store or vacu-seal...

Yours in BBQ,

Cliff

JD McGee · 01-18-2009, 12:38 PM

Costco...

EatonHoggBBQ · 01-18-2009, 12:45 PM

Sysco, Sam's Club, and a local butcher shop I've been dealing with for the past 29 years.

Jorge · 01-18-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Train

But let's face it. Is their really such a thing as a "Prime" brisket?

Yes there is, and it's not a bad idea to keep in mind that it's been graded that way for a reason when cooking it

CTSmokehouse · 01-18-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorge

Yes there is, and it's not a bad idea to keep in mind that it's been graded that way for a reason when cooking it

Cuts like butter!

Smokin Mike · 01-18-2009, 02:09 PM

sam's seems to have better selection than costco around here, any kc guys around here, correct me if I am wrong, costco does not sell packers.

CTSmokehouse · 01-18-2009, 02:16 PM

After having line caught King Salmon (full fish, split side with fishmonger)flown in overnight from Alaska and Canada (with certification) and Prime Packer Brisket from Arthur Avenue, Bronx...I'm not sure it is a good investment...granted I've learned alot since and am a CBJ...I think that the quality get's lost in the KCBS presentation etc...what I thought cranked lost to COSTCO etc... We placed very well, but I think that the judges are tuned in to the rules and taste/quality gets lost in the mix...

JMHO

Yours in BBQ,

Cliff

01-18-2009, 11:10 AM	#1
The Train Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 12-13-08 Location: Covina, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Where do you buy meats? Just getting ready for my first 4 meat compete. I know in some you have to present still in cryovac to keep people from pre-injecting. This one you don't (IBCA). So, the question: Is it worth going to a butcher & paying $$$$ for meat? I know a lot of folks buy Smart & Final, Costco, etc. What say you? BTW, can you give me your thoughts on both cryovac & unwrapped? Thanks!

01-18-2009, 11:25 AM	#2
C Rocke is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-29-07 Location: Garden Grove, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	S and F, Costco, Sam's, Stater's for pork butt, Restaurant Depot as well. __________________ *Rancho A Go Go BBQ Truck* *Rancho To Go BBQ Takeout* Cookshack 250 Smoke Chef 200 Twitter - @ranchoagogo @ranchotogobbq www.ranchoagogo.com www.ranchotogobbq.com

01-18-2009, 11:34 AM	#3
MilitantSquatter Moderator Join Date: 09-17-05 Location: soon to be in Mooresville, NC Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I think the butcher is only the ideal option if you are looking for a specifc grade (ex. prime) or type/brand (ex. dry/wet aged,Waygu, Angus, Berkshire, Bell & Evan's) that you couldn't get at another location. Paying your butcher a premium for basic grade like choice is just a waste of money and you may not get the weight or size you are looking for if you go to pickup right before a contest. on the other hand, if you and the butcher have a great relationship and the butcher truly understands your needs then it may be worth some bucks extra $ for the time saved not having to do the grunt work yourself. __________________ Vinny 22" WSM & Kettle Former owner: Jambo, Klose BYC, Med. Spicewine, Pitts & Spitts, XL & (2) Med. BGE's, (2) 18" WSM's

01-18-2009, 12:05 PM	#6
The Pigman is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 04-10-07 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Restuaruant Depot and very happy with them. They get what ever I want. They also help out in time of need like a Benefit. __________________ Smokin Blues BBQ The Pigman (Roger) Pitmaster KCBS CBJ #30390 Operation BBQ Relief Founding Member Lang 84 Custom Longneck with Warmer Char-Griller Pro w/ SFB and Mods Mobil Food Lic. With State of Ohio

01-18-2009, 12:14 PM	#8
Rub is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 09-25-06 Location: Winter Haven, FL Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Family owned and run butcher for me. Their prices are very close to the mega marts that have all but killed the family run businesses. And there is no comparing the service I get. Support the little guy! __________________ -Rub Swamp Boys “Give a man some BBQ and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to BBQ and you feed him for a lifetime.” --Swamp Boys Proverb Sponsored by Yoder Smokers, BBQR's Delight, 3 Eyz, Butcher BBQ, Grizzly Coolers, Wicked Q Gator Nation

01-18-2009, 12:01 PM	#5
Podge is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 09-25-06 Location: Elk Creek, Ky. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I buy mine from a C.A.B. distributor, who also sells meat to high-end restaraunts here in town. They can get me whatever meat I want, whenever. Totally happy with them.

01-18-2009, 12:22 PM	#9
CTSmokehouse is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-31-05 Location: Ridgefield, CT Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I'm smoking a 13.8 lb Packer Corned Beef Brisket (Pastrami mod)at this time that I got at Restaurant Depot....Looks great... Aging two 16 lb Packers I got at Restaurant Depot... Some ribs and butts.... and a 4lb wheel of Maytag Blue Cheese(8.45/lb)(was great on the filet of beef last night) Guess I like Restaurant Depot... Also like Omaha Beef, Danbury CT and Caraluzzi's, Georgetown, CT(Dave the Butcher rocks...) Cryovac is the way to go...either from the store or vacu-seal... Yours in BBQ, Cliff __________________ Member KCBS,Member NEBS,KCBS Certified BBQ Judge "The Twins" 2 BWS Fatboys with experience! NB Black Diamond with Mods,CB Bandera with Mods CharGriller Outlaw with Mods,2X WSM in Comp. Mode Weber Kettle 22" Gold, Kirkland Signature SS Gas Grill La Caja Asadora - Caja China - Cajun Microwave 1 "Primal Meat Smokers" BBQ Team Purple Primal Smoker Turtle!

01-18-2009, 12:38 PM	#10
JD McGee somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-28-07 Location: Duvall, WA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Costco... __________________ Wine Country "Q" Competition BBQ

01-18-2009, 12:45 PM	#11
EatonHoggBBQ Babbling Farker Join Date: 11-28-08 Location: Allen Park, Michigan Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Sysco, Sam's Club, and a local butcher shop I've been dealing with for the past 29 years. __________________ John, KCBS/MCBJ

01-18-2009, 02:09 PM	#14
Smokin Mike is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 09-06-07 Location: Kansas City Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	sam's seems to have better selection than costco around here, any kc guys around here, correct me if I am wrong, costco does not sell packers. __________________ Disco Pigs competition team Sponsored by Oakridge BBQ Yoder 640 Yoder 1320 UDS (Snail barrel) FEC-100 X2 Traeger 124 (older american made model) WSM, one touch kettle gasser from costco, KCBS CBJ

01-18-2009, 02:16 PM	#15
CTSmokehouse is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-31-05 Location: Ridgefield, CT Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	After having line caught King Salmon (full fish, split side with fishmonger)flown in overnight from Alaska and Canada (with certification) and Prime Packer Brisket from Arthur Avenue, Bronx...I'm not sure it is a good investment...granted I've learned alot since and am a CBJ...I think that the quality get's lost in the KCBS presentation etc...what I thought cranked lost to COSTCO etc... We placed very well, but I think that the judges are tuned in to the rules and taste/quality gets lost in the mix... JMHO Yours in BBQ, Cliff __________________ Member KCBS,Member NEBS,KCBS Certified BBQ Judge "The Twins" 2 BWS Fatboys with experience! NB Black Diamond with Mods,CB Bandera with Mods CharGriller Outlaw with Mods,2X WSM in Comp. Mode Weber Kettle 22" Gold, Kirkland Signature SS Gas Grill La Caja Asadora - Caja China - Cajun Microwave 1 "Primal Meat Smokers" BBQ Team Purple Primal Smoker Turtle!

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