653759 Sun Sep 20 20:45:41 -0700 2009 9 4 Pacific Northwest 0 5045013 So a couple of weeks ago we had new york steaks bought from Fred Meyer and grilled them, and they were super tough! Today, I bought some ground beef w/ plenty of fat to have flavor, and I just finished cooking it and it was tough tough tough!!!! Anyone know why? I haven't bought beef in months! This is in Oregon, btw. Sun Sep 20 20:45:41 -0700 2009 83994 iloveyou 1 5045080 I don't know. I buy the flat iron steaks at Fred's and they are TO DIE FOR! The best anywhere! I don't usually buy other cuts of beef there. I am in Washington. Sun Sep 20 21:37:07 -0700 2009 5045013 1110504 sedimental 1 5045728 Most steaks at our local Fred Meyer are select grade which can be quite tough. Mon Sep 21 08:08:06 -0700 2009 5045013 119551 Bradford 1 5045925 I think the meat depts. at both Safeway and Fred Meyer (PDX) (fm in particular) have really gone downhill in the last few years. I never considered them awesome by any stretch but good enough. Now they'e jumped the shark into "Buyer Beware". I purchase only chicken (foster farms) from those stores now. Zupans is a great options that, with judicious shopping, doesn't have to break the bank. Mon Sep 21 09:07:10 -0700 2009 5045013 15250 sebetti 2 5046086 In Portland, I find myself going either to Sheridans, Chop Butchery or even HMart for my meat needs. Not sure what a good Eugene alternative would be. Mon Sep 21 09:50:03 -0700 2009 5045925 50350 SauceSupreme 3 5046139 I also usually get my meat from a real butchery like Laurelhurst Market or Chop. Mon Sep 21 10:06:09 -0700 2009 5046086 11210 JillO 4 5049804 I tend to pick up NY Strips or ribeyes. I'd love to get some of the roasts, they look gorgeous, but it is just my wife and I so a full on roast would be overkill. Smaller cuts can be subdivided and tossed in the freezer then eaten at leisure. At the risk of being accused of being a snob myself, try grinding the beef yourself... get some decent cuts and toss into the meatgrinder kitchenaid attachment or pick up a standalone grinder. I've seen manual ones at 99 ranch in Lynnwood, WA and some mexican markets. I think supermarkets will also grind up the meat for you if you select the package and ask them to grind it. I think it tastes better and you know what goes into the ground beef you eat. Tue Sep 22 12:57:36 -0700 2009 5049586 286626 SeaFood2009 4 5049214 He's got a point . I also like Laurelhurst Market, but really, it is pretty much only accessible to those priviledged people with above-average means. The last time I was there, I got two amazing t-bones. Price: $50 for two. Great meat. Premium price. Unfortunately, beyond the reach of most people. I for one really appreciate the many places mentioned here that are within the grasp of the proletariat. Anyone can find out that the meat at Laurelhurst and Chop is wonderful, but it takes some digging - and a lot of help from Chowhounders - to learn about the pros and cons of Freddy's Costco, etc. Flatiron steaks at Freddys - who knew!!! Tue Sep 22 10:26:28 -0700 2009 5047854 23657 MichaelG 5 5052789 I appreciate someone saying this. Thanks for your post. Wed Sep 23 12:25:15 -0700 2009 5049214 185317 Kazy Ctn 1 5047761 I usually get beef, chicken and pork at Costco and its terrific. I also use Golden Steer in Bellevue for special occasion/special cuts needs. Mon Sep 21 19:11:59 -0700 2009 5045013 67600 firecracker