Steaks in the West End - Medium Rare VS Bruno's VS ...?

[SocksManly]

Wedding anniversary and wife doesn't really feel like going out, where should I get my steaks?

[cecilia]

We have had steaks from Medium Rare and Bruno's often. BTW, I am assuming that you are referring to the Bruno's by Dundas and Royal York. Neither one really compares to Cumbrae or Oliffe. We go to MR or Bruno's for a regular weekend steak craving. We just had steaks from MR last week. But if we really wanted to get steak, then we make the drive.

Famu steak is fantastic as well but I find Cumbrae and Oliffe more convenient from the West End.

One caveat is that Bruno's selection may vary by location. I found that the steaks from the Bayview/Major Mac location better than the Dundas/Royal York one.

[ssainani]

While I think Costco is an excellent value - i hardly think it's anywhere near the best steak. they dont even age their meat. It would be like saying Wendys makes the best burger.

Cheese Boutique is my favourite by far but Medium Rare is a close second.

[Apprentice]

I would suggest you have a blind tasting (I did - twice) from the purveyors you cite - the results may surprise you.

[elvisahmed]

I agree with Apprentice.
CostCo is very good and with the price/value proposition there are unbeatable.
A fellow carnivore like myself, splurge now and then and the try higher end/priced butchers and keep coming back to CostCo.

[cecilia]

Actually we have done blind tastings a couple times with other couples. We cooked the same cut (NY Striploin), same thickness, on the barbecue at the same time. Exact same treatment (kosher salt about 30 minutes before grilling). We had steaks from Cumbrae, Oliffe, the Healthy Butcher, and Bruno's. Oliffe won both times. Cumbrae was second both times.

I don't have a Costco membership so I can't speak to the quality of their steak.

[Etobs_Finest]

I'll admit, I have a bias towards Medium Rare. Connie (the owner) has treated me superbly since I started frequenting the shop. They are very accomdating and the quality is almost always excellent.

[LJS2]

Lately I have been getting my special treat steaks from a small butcher in Oakville called Marbled. The shop is on Lakeshore just west of Kerr. I agree that Costco is very good but the steaks I have gotten from Marbled are far superior for not a lot more money.

[Charles Yu]

Bruno for quality and choice! Usually have both US and Canadian 'Prime'. Even regular are Black Angus. Occasionally, they carry Australian or Canadian Wagyu at around $75 per pound for the latter. Understand Costco is only Canadian AAA. Much less marbling.
Agree with elvisahmed about Famu in J-Town. Just saw some A5-6 Japanese Kagoshima Wagyu there a couple of days ago. Selling for $25+ per 100 grams!! Way too fattening for my taste. To be eaten raw or Shabu-Shabu style, rather than grilling?!

[elvisahmed]

Agreed Charles the Wagyu is worth framing :)
Here is a pic I took on Friday.
Their non wagyu steaks have been exceptional.

[meatnveg]

costco

[elvisahmed]

+ 1 CostCo.
Other choice that normally doesn't come up is Famu in J-Town some of the best premium steaks in the city IMO.
Cumbrae is very good but overpriced.
Also something to watch is the Sobey's Sales if your cut comes up they sell AAA meat and can be priced same if not lower than CostCo (The bonus aeroplan and dbl points/mileage on certain card sweetens the deal)