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.

Where does Omaha steak fall in this conversation?

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

Nice to know.

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.

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.

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

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 :)

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...

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

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.

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!!!

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