664312 Tue Nov 03 06:01:14 -0800 2009 5 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 5150663 [From the Chowhound Team: this thread was split out from a discussion of a restaurant opening in Toronto. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/663698] ================================================ As well, just found this study comparing US and Canadian beef (Texas University based study): https://dspace.lib.ttu.edu/etd/handle/2346/ETD-TTU-2009-08-64 Mon Nov 02 17:15:54 -0800 2009 23717 DDD 1 5150794 The study shows no difference between USDA Choice and Canada AAA. strip loins,trimmed, 1" thick and cooked medium. There is not much Canada prime available, and many high price restaurants choose USDA prime because the supply is more consistent. Mon Nov 02 18:12:57 -0800 2009 5150663 56131 jayt90 2 5150890 "There is not much Canada prime available"... I just don't believe that. I sure would like to hear what the cattle farmers have to say. Mon Nov 02 18:55:08 -0800 2009 5150794 114869 Marniee 3 5151479 I find it a little disturbing that this has turned into a political beef debate/issue on a new restaurant opening? I'm assuming the owner (don't know who owns this place) has used his/her own money to open up this restaurant, so doesn't this owner have the right to use whatever grade/type of meat they want? Of course if someone feels strongly about their beef and cattle, then they also have the right to not eat at this establishment. But I think it's a bit unfair to single out this new restaurant and make their entry onto the scene about beef/cattle practices. Perhaps this should be on another board discussing cattle farming? Otherwise I think this entire Toronto board could be filled on who is or isn't using local produce, local meats, local cheeses, etc. etc. Tue Nov 03 05:56:17 -0800 2009 5150890 1104460 Restaurant Dish 3 5153667 I have never seen Canada prime beef for sale. I have heard that it can be bought at Oliffe, but they promote USDA prime heavily. Most major steakhouses sell USDA prime. I have had beef as good as Canada Prime from Cumbrae's, but their beef is not graded, so I have to rely on the butcher's advice. Tell me where I can buy Canada Prime at retail? Tue Nov 03 17:35:33 -0800 2009 5150890 56131 jayt90 1 5154010 As someone who has lived for many years in both countries, there are three big differences for consumers and all three favor American beef: (1) In the U.S., USDA Choice is widely available and the mainstay in the beef counters at most mainstream supermarkets. There is very little of the lesser quality Select grade. In Canada, the lesser AA grade, which is similar to Select, is dominant in mainstream supermarkets and that's what most Canadians consume. (2) It's much cheaper to buy USDA Choice than it is to buy AAA, so Canadians who want better quality meat will pay a small fortune compared to what Americans pay. (3) USDA Prime is available at the retail level and is easily found in most major cities as well as online. I've never seen Canadian prime for sale at the retail level. If a Canadian knows of a source, please do share. Tue Nov 03 20:42:45 -0800 2009 5150663 142939 CookatHomeinLondon