What to get....what to get.... Turkey VOTE !

[biogenic]

Turkey Day is upon us one more time this year and I am toren up between what brand Turkey to get. Any suggestions would be appreciate it.

1. Marys
2. Willies
3. Heidi's
4. Diestel

[Robert Lauriston]

We used to get Mary's before we started buying direct from a farm. I find that heritage breeds have more flavor—even the white meat is dark.

If you want to buy it brined, a kosher turkey might save you money.

[walker]

I don't like dark meat at all, don't like a gamy taste, either. I was always pretty happy with Butterballs; already bought the TJ Kosher bird, a bit over 13 lbs, about $30.

[walker]

I decided to get a Kosher turkey from TJ. Since it's sort of brined? I guess I should not stuff it? (I always stuffed my turkeys in the past.)

[sugartoof]

You'll probably be really happy without stuffing it, and never want to go back. It just cooks up easier with less mess. It's less picturesque but taste wise we didn't notice a whole lot of difference, or miss it.

[Morton the Mousse]

From that list I'd place Willie's first, though I tend to prefer the heritage (though they will cost you). I'm doing a Bill Niman heritage bird this year, did a Good Sheppard bird (ordered from Prather Ranch) a few years back and loved that.

-----
Prather Ranch
1 Ferry Bldg # 32, San Francisco, CA

[wolfe]

Organic, free range or heritage? Pre-brined or brine it yourself. To be roasted or fried?

[biogenic]

Organic, free range, Pre Brined and I will roast. Thanks !

[wolfe]

Just asking not voting since I already have my 21#, $9 Safeway bird.
Have you seen this thread?
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/744947

[ML8000]

I'm traveling for T-day but I'm going to buy one of those supermarket lost-leader turkeys, brine it, roast it and then eat and freeze a bunch.

[biogenic]

Thanks for link. Very informative. I'll call Ver Brugge Butcher on College and Alcatraz and see what hey have to offer. To be honest, I was checking out the Safeway $9 birds myself. From what I hear there is not a lot of difference between brands...

The Costco option on the pre brined birds is another option.

[wolfe]

The Pop Up General Store will have BN Ranch heritage turkey various sizes.
http://popupgeneralstore.myshopify.co...

[bellemdm]

Oh gosh, please don't do a Safeway bird, yikes! You get what you pay for - keep that in mind. I just called and talked to Ver Brugge and from their point of view the Willie and Diestel are comparable. They are both $2.99/lb. and they charge $12 extra for brining. My order is in!