466496 Tue Dec 04 19:27:25 -0800 2007 48 32 Chains 0 3180317 I am cooking beef tenderloin for my family Christmas dinner and I have found the price for tenderloin at my local butcher nearly twice the price at Costco. Is this a case of "you get what you pay for"? I know I will have some waste and have to do some trimming to get similar sized filets if I buy from Costco, but what about the quality? Does anyone have any feedback on the whole beef tenderloins purchased from Costco? Thx, ~Dogboy Tue Dec 04 19:27:25 -0800 2007 40920 dogboy 1 3180380 I've bought the whole tenderloins from Costco a couple times and been very happy. The quality is superior to Safeway/Albertsons/generic grocer Tue Dec 04 19:55:26 -0800 2007 3180317 96224 kungful 1 3180427 One of the things Costco prides itself on is it's quality of products and their ability to save their customers money. If they can find a source for any product to save and increase their profit margin....quality will not be sacrificed. Unless you are purchasing from a butcher who offers hanging beef only for his customers.... most butchers purchase cry-o-vac beef, the same that is supplied to other markets and commercial restaurants. Just the mere fact of purchasing from a butcher per se, does not guarantee quality beef. It all comes down to grades. Costco sells only USDA Choice. Prime Grade is the best. Select Grade is below Choice. Standard is ungraded meat. The grading system is used by Meat Packers and only if they pay the government for the service. The grading system has to do with the marbling(Fat) content which determines grade. Kobe beef for example is believed to be the best steaks due to their high fat content which results in a tastier steak if cooked properly. Buying from Costco is recommended. Tue Dec 04 20:21:58 -0800 2007 3180317 123497 fourunder 2 3180497 The USDA grade doesn't matter too much with tenderloin because the tenderloin has very little fat and basically no marbling. Tue Dec 04 20:55:19 -0800 2007 3180427 10832 Humbucker 2 3180570 Aging also matters, as does breed, diet, and even the individual cow. Tue Dec 04 21:31:27 -0800 2007 3180427 79880 xanadude 3 3181234 Aging tenderloin is not realy necessary since it's tender already.... Wed Dec 05 07:38:07 -0800 2007 3180570 19117 Pollo 4 3181557 Aging meats does tenderize, but it is also done to intensify the flavor. Note that for the tenderloin , this would only be done in most cases when it is part of the short loin still attached to the bone with the fat layer protecting it from direct air contact. Wed Dec 05 09:06:52 -0800 2007 3181234 123497 fourunder 5 3181648 Yes, but in case of the tenderloin it's like tenderizing butter.... Wed Dec 05 09:33:44 -0800 2007 3181557 19117 Pollo 4 3181559 it's also flavor Wed Dec 05 09:07:10 -0800 2007 3181234 79880 xanadude 2 3185461 One clarification: Costco's contracts with their suppliers specify "USDA Choice or better", meaning that if the supplier runs out of Choice, they may have to provide Costco with Prime to meet the order. Every now and then, you'll find a sub-primal with a 'Prime' stamp on it. Not very often, but when I'm in Costco and have a little time to spare, I'll troll the meatcase, hunting for the 'Prime' meat. Buying USDA Prime at Costco's USDA Choice prices is the best of all possible worlds! Thu Dec 06 12:29:17 -0800 2007 3180427 13700 ricepad 3 3187653 Ricepad, that is a good datum to know. Thanks! Fri Dec 07 08:00:54 -0800 2007 3185461 69364 grishnackh 3 4720312 The Costco's in E. MA generally have prime. Wed May 27 17:40:14 -0700 2009 3185461 71350 lergnom 1 3180706 We find Costco meat to be very good. Their quality is as good or better than groceries. We have bought the tenderloins and cut filets, cooked the whole tenderloins. We have never had a problem with Costco meat. Tue Dec 04 23:13:05 -0800 2007 3180317 10921 Janet 1 3181169 Cook's Illustrated did a piece on whole beef tenderloin a couple of years ago (Feb 2005 issue). They gave several beef tenderloins the full test-kitchen treatment. The Costco tenderloin was the winner. For flavor, texture and price it can't be beat. You do have to trim it yourself, but at least you get to keep the chain to use for another dish. Wed Dec 05 07:15:27 -0800 2007 3180317 130031 Shane Greenwood 1 3181200 I'll echo the other posters here to say that I've had very positive experiences with Costco's whole tenderloins. During the summer I love to cut one up into thick cubes and marinate for some of the most indulgent shish kebabs you will ever taste. Alton Brown did an episode of "Good Eats" about where to buy them [Costco natch], how to trim them, and how to cook the various parts. You can likely find it on YouTube. Wed Dec 05 07:27:15 -0800 2007 3180317 69364 grishnackh 2 3181224 I was at a dinner party with well-to-do friends in Chicago, who buy all their meat for parties at Costco. Even though I am a strong believer in supporting local merchants, the meal tasted delicious. So I would say, go ahead. Wed Dec 05 07:34:32 -0800 2007 3181200 83766 brendastarlet 1 3181684 I like Costco, but I have only purchased meat from them once or twice, it was ok, but not as good as what I can purchase at a local butcher. I prefer to support my local family owned butcher. They have prime beef, as well as dry aged beef, so I have no need to go elsewhere. Also the money I spend stays local, and keeps a mom & pop meat market open, one less swallowed up by a corporate behemoth. Wed Dec 05 09:46:38 -0800 2007 3180317 26725 swsidejim 2 3181816 I know we're talking about beef, but here's something about pork. Although Costco pork is good, you really can't beat the prices and freshness of pork sold in Chinatown or the Asian supermarkets. They will typically sell pork chops for $1.89 a pound and it's the lean boneless ones, not the fatty lower-grade cuts that Safeway advertises for the same price. Wed Dec 05 10:17:51 -0800 2007 3181684 84603 baron45 3 3181874 But is there anything more tasteless than a lean, boneless pork chop? I'm usually looking for the opposite: pork with at least some marbling (the more the better). Not to say that supermarket pork is good -- it isn't, and most of it these days is injected with salt solution so they can guarantee it as moist and tender. If I want brined pork, I'd rather do it myself. Wed Dec 05 10:32:55 -0800 2007 3181816 10159 Ruth Lafler 1 3181867 I may get a lot of different opinons on my reply. None of the previous posters have answered the real question: how does Costco tenderloin and rib roasts compare to Andronico, Draeger's, Whole Foods, Piedomont Grocery, local butchers, and Costco price per lb is much cheaper? I find Costco's is just as good as the higher priced ones. I have even tried the "aged" prime rib from Whole Foods (San Mateo) and find very little diffference. So, save some money and buy at Costco since tenderloin is always tender. Anyone differ?? Wed Dec 05 10:30:14 -0800 2007 3180317 53886 diner101 2 3185741 In studying Tenderloin I have found that most opinions including mine find that there is almost no difference in prime or choice Tenderloin because there is very little marbeling. Now rib eye steaks there can be a big difference in taste/tenderness because of the fat content and distribution through the steak, the more marbeling the more likelihood that it will be graded prime. Most caterers like to serve Tenderloin because they make the most profit on it, they dont need to buy prime. By itself Tenderloin has very little taste that is why when you go to a restaurant they almost always serve it with some kind of sauce to liven it up. That said I wouldn't waste my money buying from Bristol Farms, Whole Paycheck, or the like, you'll just throw your money away - buy it from Costco. Thu Dec 06 13:48:58 -0800 2007 3181867 12130 malibumike 2 3185854 Read the Cooks Illustrated article. They compare Costco tenderloin against several specific purveyors including local butchers, mail order and supermarket. They break down the price per pound comparison and relative quality. I think it was the Feb 2005 issue and you can find it on their website. It's the most rational answer to your question that you'll find. BTW diner101: the OP's queation wasn't about Andronico's, Draegers and Whole Foods, so that's why nobody is answering that question. Thu Dec 06 14:15:31 -0800 2007 3181867 130031 Shane Greenwood 1 3181878 We have served the tenderloin from Costco with pride at our dinner parties. It is good quality at a reasonable price. If we did not purchase the meat at Costco, we would not be able to afford to offer our guests tenderloin. (Makes us look good to the in-laws!) Wed Dec 05 10:33:51 -0800 2007 3180317 67883 oaktowngirl 2 3378870 I have a good friend who works for a large agribusiness. he sells meat to Costco. when I told him I love their flank steak (london broil yum) and their tenderloin he told me "Costco only buys choice or better and they sell it for pennies /pound over their purchase price. If you buy your meat anywhere but Costco, you are probably getting screwed" I believe him, and I buy all my meat and poultry there. try their rotiserie chicken, best 5 bucks you'll ever spend! I pick up 1 a week at least! Fri Feb 08 16:01:15 -0800 2008 3181878 164419 mark48 3 3379895 Mark, does your friend know if Costco stipulates that their meat not come from "downer" or sick cows? Sat Feb 09 06:32:19 -0800 2008 3378870 109573 coney with everything 4 3382024 It's hard to imagine that a downer would grade at choice or better. Sun Feb 10 01:01:10 -0800 2008 3379895 13700 ricepad 4 3384544 I'm under the impression that downers are not fit for human consumption in the US (post BSE). While I have no doubt that awful things are done to circumvent this rule (google Hallmark/Westland, for example), no stipulation would be necessary, as it's required by law. I could be wrong, though. Sun Feb 10 22:13:28 -0800 2008 3379895 79880 xanadude 5 3384846 check out the food media and news board for a discussion of why to be picky about where to buy your beef Mon Feb 11 05:42:36 -0800 2008 3384544 109573 coney with everything 1 3378991 I can't imagine you'd be dissapointed w/ Costco loins. Personally i've found Costco's beef to be a slight bit better then that of most local butchers i've tried. Saving twice the cash and most likely ending up with a cut of meat thats as good or better than your butcher sounds like a no-brainer. Go w/ Costco! Fri Feb 08 16:46:44 -0800 2008 3180317 153163 Ranger05 2 3379941 Cooks Illustrated's Test Kitchen did a review of tenderloins a couple of years ago and Costco won out against some other very reputable butchers and more expensive options. Sat Feb 09 06:59:58 -0800 2008 3378991 130031 Shane Greenwood 2 3387460 My local groceries ("No Frills" and "Price Chopper" both sell vacuum-packed strip loins for $3.99/lb - which is a lot less than Costco charges! I find them very tasty, and I don't put anything on except for a grill mix (which is mostly salt and pepper). I have nothing against Costco, but the groceries sell the loins in 2-5 lb portions, instead of the 10-20 loins at Costco, and as a single guy, I can only eat steak so often. Mon Feb 11 16:17:54 -0800 2008 3378991 48210 KevinB 3 3394160 Those are USDA select strips, Costco is choice or AAA. Another option is Angus AAA rib eyes, last day sale, at A&P/Dominion. Wed Feb 13 12:18:38 -0800 2008 3387460 56131 jayt90 3 3407977 I don't find the meat at Price Chopper that appetizing, or Food Basic for that matter. We do buy striploins from No Frills and I find them to be very good. But no where near the Costco tenderloin we serve at dinner parties. The pieces at Costco are quite big but we usually cut into smaller portions and freeze. Sun Feb 17 19:28:47 -0800 2008 3387460 85530 caitlink 3 3434046 The whole strip loins and tenderloins at those stores is USDA Select, which is really low quality meat. What's somewhat shocking to me is that the high priced kin of No Frills (Loblaw's) and Price Chopper (Sobey's) also sell this stuff. No mainstream supermarket in the US routinely sells such poorly graded meat. Since meat grading is based on a visual inspection of what are, essentially, clues, and inspection/grading do not guarantee eating quality, it is possible to get a good slab of select (or a poor slab of prime for that matter). But the odds are against you. The meat at Costco is more likely to be graded USDA Choice or Canada AA or AAA. Mon Feb 25 15:55:59 -0800 2008 3387460 23411 embee 4 3434145 >>No mainstream supermarket in the US routinely sells such poorly graded meat.<< I have seen it in various Safeway (Dominicks), SuperValu (Jewel), Krogers and WalMart stores, the four largest supermarkets in the US. How much more mainstream can you get? Mon Feb 25 16:28:18 -0800 2008 3434046 12471 jlawrence01 5 3434689 I'll need to defer to you on that. It marks a major change from when I lived in the US, and (later) when I spent a lot of time there :-( Stores such as Safeway, SuperValu, and Kroger advertised from the rooftops that they never sold anything below Choice. I wasn't aware that things had changed. (There were no Wal-Mart food stores at the time.) Our first Wal-Mart Supercentres in Toronto seem to be selling mainly Canada AA. My other comment regarding Canada still holds. Loblaw's and Sobey's are positioned as high end stores selling only Canada AA and AAA beef (and the Certified Angus brand at some Loblaw stores). Selling Select graded meat borders on scandalous. It is labeled honestly, but customers don't understand the meaning and think they are getting a bargain. Mon Feb 25 19:35:24 -0800 2008 3434145 23411 embee 1 4319710 Hi, I found Costco tenderloin to be great but with one problem for me. It gives me restless legs. I am very sensitive to MSG so that tells me they are putting something on their meat that does not belong there. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks Mon Jan 12 14:17:38 -0800 2009 3180317 256540 guurtje 2 4321847 It just meat nothing added, I'd check what else you ate. Tue Jan 13 08:44:55 -0800 2009 4319710 149836 cstr 3 4322390 I agree with cstr, according to all of the labeling (and how it tastes) Costco tenderloin is just tenderloin. Tue Jan 13 11:00:53 -0800 2009 4321847 80141 ccbweb 2 4323466 MSG gives you restless leg syndrome?? Tue Jan 13 15:47:03 -0800 2009 4319710 11583 ipsedixit 2 4343951 Beef tenderloin is naturally high in uric acid/purines. If you have hyperuricemia or a similar disorder, proceed carefully. Wed Jan 21 06:53:33 -0800 2009 4319710 259144 misterhyde 1 4369892 Most people don't know, but Costco sells genuine USDA Prime Beef (the brand is 1855 which I think is part of Swift). They only sell it via the costco.com website. Search for 1855. I know people say there isn't a difference, but their Prime tenderloins can go toe to toe (when cooked properly) with anything they serve at Mortons or Smith and Wolenskys. Prices are the best I can find for delivered USDA Prime. Especially when you buy the larger "family packs" Thu Jan 29 11:59:28 -0800 2009 3180317 261600 mchinsky 2 4710668 Just got back from Costco. Prime Beef Tenderloin for $10.99/lb. Partially trimmed Choice was $12.99. FWIW - Julia Child always bought beef from Costco. As to the Prime v. Choice argument about filet mignon, most major steak chains, Mortons, Ruth's Chris, Capital Grille use Prime meat (some dry aged, some wet aged) but almost all use Choice for filet mignon. Sun May 24 09:31:07 -0700 2009 4369892 113405 sjsjets 3 4710721 I have studied this subject Prime vs. Choice Filet Mignon and IMHO there is very little difference since Filet Mignon has very little fat (read flavor) to begin with, that is why most restaurants serve it with some kind of sauce. You do notice a fairly big difference in Rib Eyes Prime vs Choice. Sun May 24 10:06:01 -0700 2009 4710668 12130 malibumike 3 4715606 Interesting thread, useful now as well as when it was originally posted. I didn't know that sjsjets. I finally signed up for Costco almost a year ago and am still discovering the wonders therein. If I get a whole tenderloin for the grill should I cook it whole or slice it into individual cutlets? Any ideas for flavoring the filet(s)? Getting too hot and sticky in these parts for heavy sauces. Tue May 26 10:37:57 -0700 2009 4710668 184593 givemecarbs 4 4717883 If I get a whole tenderloin for the grill should I cook it whole or slice it into individual cutlets? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For a larger group, definitely a grilled roast filet of beef. Never cutlets, but steaks for smaller numbers. Any ideas for flavoring the filet(s)? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper on the roast filet of beef.......Melted Bleu Cheese on steaks. Wed May 27 04:32:19 -0700 2009 4715606 123497 fourunder 5 4718720 I agree, you don't need to spend the extra $$ for a prime tenderloin but, you should for ribeye or NY strip loin. Wed May 27 09:28:49 -0700 2009 4717883 149836 cstr 5 4719483 Thanks fourunder! Wed May 27 13:05:33 -0700 2009 4717883 184593 givemecarbs 6 4719591 You could also try stuffing the the roast filet of beef with any combination of: Cheeses...Bleu, Gorgonzola, Provolone or Goat Broccoli Rabe, Spinach or Asparagus Sausage or Bacon Crabmeat or Crawfish Tomatoes or Mushrooms Slice like pinwheel steaks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBZwLMH7klU http://homecooking.about.com/od/beefrecipes/r/blbeef50.htm http://www.finecooking.com/videos/how-to/butterfly-stuff-tenderloin.aspx?langtype=1033&hl=en&q=butterfly%20whole%20beef%20tenderloin&btng=google%20search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=&ac=ts&ra=fp Wed May 27 13:35:12 -0700 2009 4719483 123497 fourunder