Maggie's Farm

I shop both Costco and Sams... and I like Costco's butcher department a shade better. I have purchased several excellent cuts of beef there..... as well as some cuts reminiscent on wal-mart mass market meat. I bought a standing rib roast there that was great.... and lately bought some filet mignon that obviously came from an uncastrated bull... if the gamy flavor was an indication.

I just find that in any large box/chain store (including Costco), the meat is inconsistent quality. Finding true prime beef anymore is nigh impossible... and the stuff that is supposed to be "choice" cut ranges all over the map. (disclaimer: I have a freezer full of Costco meat as I write this.) I just wish I could find a a big city meat place that offered real prime (or even true choice cut) beef without having to drive out to some country butcher shop.

OTOH, I shop Costco twice a week mostly because I find their stuff (even their Kirkland store brand) better. My biggest complaint with Costco is their distribution system. What is available in the Costco where my brother shops (In Kansas City) is never available where I shop in Lewisville Texas.... and vice versa. For example: I visited my brother over the weekend and he served a Mango/Peach salsa that was marvelous.... and totally unavailable in either Costco I visit locally. While the multi-grain tortilla chips I brought are unavailable where he shops. Its the nature of the business I suppose, but it is frustrating.

All that to agree on their olive oil... and their balsamic vinegar (both of which I stock in my pantry). (I had a Scallop/Shrimp/Asparagus/Mushroom with Linguine Alfredo for dinner with most of the ingredients Costco purchases. Marvelous. With a bottle of French origin white wine; also a Costco item.)