Is the meat shop trying to sell me or what?

[Jeff_in_KC]

Went it today to a local meat shop and talked to the butchers about CAB briskets. They claim CAB is no better than any other type that's graded choice or above. Had the butcher at Dean and Deluca's tell me the opposite.

Also learned about Berkshire pork while there. Pretty good story behind the pork. I knew about Berskshire hogs but since my family hasn't been in the hog business in over 20 years, I guess I missed out on the fact that Berkshires are a lot more work to raise, cost more to do so and with the health conscience folks in America today, the fat content makes them unacceptable in today's market. However, the guy at the counter says they're carrying them and are having comp teams in all the time looking for them. The issue to me is first that a rack of the Besrkshire babybacks are maybe 2/3 the size of what I've been getting at Sam's Club. And second, they sell two slabs in cryovac for $20 to $22 where the three pack at Sam's is about the same price. They claim to be much more moist, tender and flavorful. I'm curious if anyone has specifically used Berkshire pork before and if so, what were your opinions of it?

 

[kcquer]

Went it today to a local meat shop and talked to the butchers

Jeff, where did you go?

 

[Bigmista]

All I ever see out here is Farmer John's so I really don't have an opinion. Wish I could help you out.

 

[Wayne]

Here is a link that might help. Scroll down and read "IS CAB REALLY BETTER?".

http://animalscience.tamu.edu/ANSC/beef/browsing/april2004.html

It seems to support the opinion that choice and better are all the same.

 

[Jeff_in_KC]

Jeff, where did you go?

Scott, took a run up to McGonigle's (sp?) from my office. Do you know anyone there? Any better ideas? I thought I recall there is a good place there in H'ville.

 

[kcquer]

Jeff, sometime when you have a chance, take a trip to Peculiar and stop by Cass County Meat Co. The owner proprieter is a former employee of the meat market that used to be on 291 and 50 in Lee's Summit. He is very knowledgeable about meats and Q. If he doesn't have what you want he'll get it in.

They have GREAT steaks and their sausages and brats (hawaiian, jap, cheddar, apple etc) are to VERY good.

As with any specialty shop, they aren't cheap, but their products are top notch, and I never go in there without learning something.

http://home.kc.rr.com/casscoun/

They're located right under the water tower, just a block off the main drag.

 

[icemn62]

Was checking online here and their are no butcher shops in my area. The best I can do is talk to the meat guy/girl at the grocery store.

 

[Jeff_in_KC]

Thanks Scott! That was the place I was thinking about. I believe you might have told me about that place before. I'll definitely go give them a visit soon.

 

[HoDeDo]

Thanks Scott! That was the place I was thinking about. I believe you might have told me about that place before. I'll definitely go give them a visit soon.

Bichelmeyer's off of 7th & Cheyenne in KCK is also a great meat market. Matt Bichelmeyer or his dad are very knowledgable.

I have been buying some of my meat lately at Sambol's Meat packing down in the bottoms on the KS side. Bill Kolich is a great guy, and also makes some killer sausage that I like to use....

 

[NorthernQ]

The grading system in Canada is a bit different than in the US but our AA is close to your select and AAA matches your choice. prime is the same. I switched from CAB to AAA a while back. Same or better quality and a little saving. The CAB is a marketting program designed to provide brand recognition for the consumer. It's good quality product, no question, but a bit added price.

A lot of the guys here are using Berkshire hogs for comps with good results.

 

[jgh1204]

I know I get more compliments on my CAB briskets than regular briskets. Further, right now, I can get them cheaper too than Sams, Wallyworld or HEB.

 

[Jeff_in_KC]

Peter, thanks for the input on the Berskshire hogs. Today was the first I've been told about their quality here. I'm wondering... if they have more fat and are already farkin smaller than regular babybacks, won't they cook up even smaller once done? Man, it would take nearly a whole slab of these bastiges to fill a contest turn in box if they got any smaller!

 

[jsmoker]

Bichelmeyer's off of 7th & Cheyenne in KCK is also a great meat market.

I second Bichelmeyer's. Great meat and have been around for years. I've also bought some meat at Rancher's at 119th and Metcalf. They sell to the high-end Johnson County crowd. Most (all?) of their meat is free range so it's pricey, but it's also very good. Can tell a difference - especially in their chickens.

 

[HoDeDo]

Was checking online here and their are no butcher shops in my area. The best I can do is talk to the meat guy/girl at the grocery store.

Nothing wrong with a good grocery store butcher. Brewer's Price Chopper in Bonner has a great butcher.... he always steers me right. Heck, he taught me how to trim a brisket - turned a couple of thier whole ones into flats when I was first starting cooking. They also have his BBQ rub they sell from behind the meat counter. He gave me a lb. of it for the heck of it. He always cuts my steaks 1 1/2" thick, and gives me great pricing.

I would get to know your local grocer contact very well.... they might suprise ya!