Looking for Good Quality Beef

[Buckeyephan]

We've been here since July and I have yet to find a store that has the quality of beef that I am used to finding in Ohio. Pork and chicken seem to be fine but the beef is tough/tasteless. That applies to steaks and roasts. Have tried all of the local major groceries with the same results. Is Fresh Market worth the extra cost? Are there any quality meat markets in the area? Makes me want to hop a fence and grab one of the Black Angus that are grazing. Thanks.

[willie72]

We like the meat at Sam's

[renielarson]

Hopefully you can find what you're looking for here:

Pasture Prime Wagyu & Family Farm - LocalHarvest (http://www.localharvest.org/pasture-prime-wagyu-family-farm-M32089)

Cornerstone Cattle Ranch - LocalHarvest (http://www.localharvest.org/cornerstone-cattle-ranch-M61879)

Moore Ranch - LocalHarvest (http://www.localharvest.org/moore-ranch-M38225)

You can do your own search here: Search - LocalHarvest (http://www.localharvest.org/search.jsp?jmp&scale=7&lat=28.92913&lon=-81.92553&ty=0&nm=beef)

[redwitch]

Oddly enough, Pasture Prime sells meat (well, at least beef) at the Spanish Springs Farmer's Market on Thursdays. I've found it to be very good and reasonably priced.

[drdodge]

try Sams club

[mrfixit]

Hopefully you can find what you're looking for here:

Pasture Prime Wagyu & Family Farm - LocalHarvest (http://www.localharvest.org/pasture-prime-wagyu-family-farm-M32089)

Cornerstone Cattle Ranch - LocalHarvest (http://www.localharvest.org/cornerstone-cattle-ranch-M61879)

Moore Ranch - LocalHarvest (http://www.localharvest.org/moore-ranch-M38225)

You can do your own search here: Search - LocalHarvest (http://www.localharvest.org/search.jsp?jmp&scale=7&lat=28.92913&lon=-81.92553&ty=0&nm=beef)

THANK YOU to Brightspot01 for sharing this valuable info.
It is appreciated. Will try several of the Local Harvest purveyors.

Have tried the Pasture Prime Farms' Wagyu Beef...it is EXCELLENT.
...their grass fed beef is always worth more than they charge.
Have acquired it from them at Brownwood Saturday Farmers' Market.

[buggyone]

I have heard there is a guy who drives around The Villages and sells meat from his truck. Understand it is exceptional quality. :boxing2:

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Good info... beef at the grocery is usually not very good.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

Good info... beef at the grocery is usually not very good.

Where did you buy your beef in Ohio?

Don

[jnieman]

We buy our ground beef at Fresh Market. I asked them why it is so good and they said they don't use fillers. Actually I buy the ground round.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We like the meat at Sam's

Yea, we've had good luck with all the meats from Sam's Club. But I would like to be able to find grass fed beef around here.

[Flyinglady]

We buy our ground beef at Fresh Market. I asked them why it is so good and they said they don't use fillers. Actually I buy the ground round.

I agree, I find their beef and chicken to be excellent, great market for special things and treats.

[Gulfhills]

Costco has great meat. I'm not a fan of Sam's meat.

[MicheleE]

I agree with Gulfhills. We stock up at Costco. They carry both "Prime" and "Choice" meat and it does not compare to the meat I've tasted anywhere else in the area. I've also purchased meat in a pinch at Fresh Market and they also carry prime fliets which were great the other night.

[chuck90199]

We've been very happy with The Meat House in New Hampshire. They now have shops up and down the east coast, but unfortunately not yet in The Villages. Closest one is in Winter Park. We've been very happy with them. Google them to get to their web site and see what they offer at each location.

[784caroline]

We enjoy our steaks from Sams Club and for Christmas this year we got a 8lb Prime Rib from Sweetbay that was absolutely outsanding and the cheapest price around.

Food taste, quality, and value for price paid is always in the eye of the beholder.

[Golfingnut]

HELLO.....

Walmart and Sams sells stock yard beef. The problem with florida beef is that it is grass feed due to the long season here. Grass feed beef is tuff and dry. Grain feed beef from stock yards is tender as they have no room or need to move around and build stringy muscle tissue. Take this from an Iowa boy that is from the farm. Florida beef is similar to the long horn of two hundred years ago.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Costco beef is the best you can get at a reasonable price. Not sure where the closest Costco is to TV.

[bluedog103]

HELLO.....

Walmart and Sams sells stock yard beef. The problem with florida beef is that it is grass feed due to the long season here. Grass feed beef is tuff and dry. Grain feed beef from stock yards is tender as they have no room or need to move around and build stringy muscle tissue. Take this from an Iowa boy that is from the farm. Florida beef is similar to the long horn of two hundred years ago.
Thanks, glad you said it. This old country boy knows the difference too.

[tucson]

We've been here since July and I have yet to find a store that has the quality of beef that I am used to finding in Ohio. Pork and chicken seem to be fine but the beef is tough/tasteless. That applies to steaks and roasts. Have tried all of the local major groceries with the same results. Is Fresh Market worth the extra cost? Are there any quality meat markets in the area? Makes me want to hop a fence and grab one of the Black Angus that are grazing. Thanks.

Rosa's Farm in Citra (N.of Ocala) on 13450 N.Hwy 301 (theorganicchef@yahoo.com) The Organic Chef Foods/Facebook

[maureenod]

We enjoy our steaks from Sams Club and for Christmas this year we got a 8lb Prime Rib from Sweetbay that was absolutely outsanding and the cheapest price around.

Food taste, quality, and value for price paid is always in the eye of the beholder.

You bought a standing rib roast. Prime meat can only be sold to restaurants. Choice meat is the highest grade sold retail. That includes "Omaha Steak" Company

[BarryRX]

You bought a standing rib roast. Prime meat can only be sold to restaurants. Choice meat is the highest grade sold retail. That includes "Omaha Steak" Company

I didn't believe this when I first read it, but according to my research on the internet it's true. The "prime" rating is earned by less than 3% of carcasses and most of them are sold to high end hotels and restaurants. Thanks for the info.

[msfooter]

AS quoted above ---
"I agree with Gulfhills. We stock up at Costco. They carry both "Prime" and "Choice" meat and it does not compare to the meat I've tasted anywhere else in the area. I've also purchased meat in a pinch at Fresh Market and they also carry prime fliets which were great the other night."

[maureenod]

I didn't believe this when I first read it, but according to my research on the internet it's true. The "prime" rating is earned by less than 3% of carcasses and most of them are sold to high end hotels and restaurants. Thanks for the info.

I raised purebred cattle and only purebred is given prime rating. It is only sold to high end hotels and restaurants as the cost of purchasing purebred cattle and feeding them is very expensive verses dairy cross. 95% of cattle are dairy cross which the highest rating is choice. I beg to differ but you will NOT get prime at Costco. A dairy cow must have a calf every year to produce milk. They are bred to a beef, Hereford or Angus for example, thus producing a dairy cross.

[D&Lsunfun]

I worked in the meat department at Giant Eagle in Ohio (Cleveland area). The beef in Florida is not what I am used to buying and eating. The worse is Save a lot, beef from Mexico. I think it was horse meat, nothing on the package said "beef. Be safe and buy at Fresh Market or Publix. Cody's has good steaks if you are going out for a steak dinner.

[Buckeyephan]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I shopped in many stores in Columbus, but Giant Eagle was my favorite. D&Lsunfun, you understand what I am saying. I usually had good luck at Sam's, but my experience here is not the same. Will keep looking. The info about grass fed makes a lot of sense. When eating tough meat, Dad used to say, "They didn't kill it. They ran it to death."

[ppivik]

Fresh Market has the best meat.

[justjim]

We are not big meat eaters but do eat some beef. Personally, I found Winn Dixie beef to be a bit better than Publix. I recently talked to a friend who said the same thing.

[JRW8219]

I beg to differ but you will NOT get prime at Costco. A dairy cow must have a calf every year to produce milk. They are bred to a beef, Hereford or Angus for example, thus producing a dairy cross.

OK since you claim to know what you are talking about (you capitalized NOT and a previous post said only sold to restaurants), how do you reconcile that with this fact: On the Costco website (Beef (http://www.costco.com/beef.html)) you'll see that they advertise USDA prime. Yes it's expensive but they do offer it.

Do you still say that you can't buy prime retail? Did you mean in person? Since it's obviously available for shipping at Costco and elsewhere.

Someone's wrong, either you or the Costco website.

Just wondering since you weren't the only one who says you can't buy Prime USDA retail.

My guess is that if I found this that quickly I could find others. i.e. http://www.kansascitysteaks.com/USDA-Prime-Private-Stock.2.htm?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NE_NTM_USDA_Prime&utm_content=USDA___Beef&utm_term=_+buy_+usda_+prime_+beef

http://www.mychicagosteak.com/USDA-Prime-Bone-In-Filet-Mignon-Dry-Aged/productinfo/PSD157/#.UuvM_kCA3IU

http://www.lobels.com/store/item/bacon-wrapped-usda-prime-tenderloin-steaks-roasts.htm

Just the top three on a Google search.

[MicheleE]

Costco does offer "Prime" we buy it there all the time. The only caveat is that you have to get there early enough in the day to find it in the meat case. Once it's gone, it's gone......but they have some every day. They carry mostly Prime steaks - either porterhouse or filets and there is a HUGE difference in the taste and tenderness. The packages are marked with a blue and red sticker that says Prime and located in the area closest to butcher department door. Ask the meat guys and they will direct you.

[JRW8219]

Thanks for the Costco answer - the only reason I was questioning the veracity of those posts is that some posters say very definitive statements and others may rely on them. Not sure why some posters act so positive about something when a simple web search shows that they are not correct. Take what you read on any public forum with lots of grains of salt.

[marianne237]

Where does Omaha steak fall in this conversation?

[Mikeod]

OK since you claim to know what you are talking about (you capitalized NOT and a previous post said only sold to restaurants), how do you reconcile that with this fact: On the Costco website (Beef (http://www.costco.com/beef.html)) you'll see that they advertise USDA prime. Yes it's expensive but they do offer it.

Do you still say that you can't buy prime retail? Did you mean in person? Since it's obviously available for shipping at Costco and elsewhere.

Someone's wrong, either you or the Costco website.

Just wondering since you weren't the only one who says you can't buy Prime USDA retail.

My guess is that if I found this that quickly I could find others. i.e. Prime Beef: USDA Prime Beef, Private Stock Steaks: Kansas City Steaks (http://www.kansascitysteaks.com/USDA-Prime-Private-Stock.2.htm?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NE_NTM_USDA_Prime&utm_content=USDA___Beef&utm_term=_+buy_+usda_+prime_+beef)

USDA Prime - Premium Gold Angus <br> Dry Aged Bone-In Filet Mignon-Chicago Steak Company (http://www.mychicagosteak.com/USDA-Prime-Bone-In-Filet-Mignon-Dry-Aged/productinfo/PSD157/#.UuvM_kCA3IU)

Bacon-Wrapped USDA Prime Tenderloin Steaks & Roasts - Buy online at Lobel's (http://www.lobels.com/store/item/bacon-wrapped-usda-prime-tenderloin-steaks-roasts.htm)

Just the top three on a Google search.
Just saw NY strips labeled Prime at BJ's in Clermont this afternoon.

[JRW8219]

Just saw NY strips labeled Prime at BJ's in Clermont this afternoon.

Nice to know.

[rdhdleo]

Coming from the Midwest and used to midwest beef, Florida beef is awful! When we first moved here I did get some good steaks at Sams but the past number of years it has been horrible. I won't buy their meat anymore. Fresh Market has good quality. Every few months we drive to St. Petersburg and go to Mazzaros Italian Market with several coolers. I stock up on meat there. It's excellent!!! I asked why they had such good beef and the owner told me it's because they ship it in from the midwest and only sell midwest beef. Everything at that place is exceptional, from meats to deli, to fresh pasta and fresh baked authentic Italian baked good and gelato...yummmm think I need to make a trip again soon.

[RErmer]

I only buy meat at The Fresh Market. Their beef, chicken, pork, sausages, etc. are all exceptional. Even my husband can tell the difference between ground beef from TFM vs. Publix. One hint: get of their email list and stock up whenever various items go on sale, either at exceptional prices or BOGO.

[rdhdleo]

I only buy meat at The Fresh Market. Their beef, chicken, pork, sausages, etc. are all exceptional. Even my husband can tell the difference between ground beef from TFM vs. Publix. One hint: get of their email list and stock up whenever various items go on sale, either at exceptional prices or BOGO.

I agree for someplace close Fresh Market is awesome! When SweetBay first opened and they had huge sales I bought steaks there often and they were really good, unfortunately haven't been back. The really expensive filets at Publix are good and those we have bought melt in your mouth and were very flavorful. The rest of their meat is mediocre.

[Mikitv]

We like the meat at Fresh Market. My son is a chef and has been very happy with the selection there. We do order from Omaha Steaks once in awhile too. We have extra fridge so room in that freezer for large order.

[rdhdleo]

We like the meat at Fresh Market. My son is a chef and has been very happy with the selection there. We do order from Omaha Steaks once in awhile too. We have extra fridge so room in that freezer for large order.

We have ordered from Omaha Steaks for a number of years but we really don't care for their steaks. We do like their burgers and hotdogs though! LOL

[rn1tv]

I find many of the comments on this thread very interesting. I bought filet of beef at Fresh Market and found them to be very tough and full of grizzle. Best that I have found in the area is Sweetbay...not the best but the best in the area.

[rdhdleo]

I find many of the comments on this thread very interesting. I bought filet of beef at Fresh Market and found them to be very tough and full of grizzle. Best that I have found in the area is Sweetbay...not the best but the best in the area.

Hi! That's interesting also. Fresh Market does have 2 different "grades" of filet, but I have had both and both have been melt in your mouth tender and juicey and not fatty. When they have the whole tenderloin on sale I buy that and have them cut it to order. I need to get out to SweetBay again, when they first opened I never had a bad steak from them guess I need to revisit it :)

[rn1tv]

I think we need a Costco in The Villages...Sam's needs competition!
rdhdleo, I just personally found it to be better, but wish I could get better. Not sure how to do that...

[Carol Fiore]

I buy from an Organic Farm in Ocala called Rosa Farm. I used to live in Orlando and they had a co-op and the prices were great and cheaper than their store prices. If we can start a co-op here, they will drop off the delivery and get great prices. I have been buying from them for 2 years. If anyone wants to buy from them, please call me at (386)295-5397 Carol. Right now I drive 45 min to their store and I am paying about $20.00 more for my monthly meat. Here is their web site. The Organic Chef Foods (http://organiccheffoods.com/)

Example: Ground Beef - store price 7.30 co-op price 6.50
wild caught salmon - store price 12.99 co-op price 10.99

The store does not carry all the items you can get in the co-op.

[Richard1366]

I've heard of wine snobs but seems as if we are surrounded by meat snobs..buy cheap cuts and braise them.. tender and delicious!!!

[RErmer]

Always The Fresh Market for me. Exceptional quality, even my husband can taste the difference between their ground sirloin and that from Publix.