Is Prime Steak Really Worth the Price?
There is an article in today's New York Times about prime steaks and their price. The writer claims Choice New York Strips cost $17 a pound and Prime steaks as much as 50% more (though in Boston, I just purchased some excellent Choice Porterhouses from Costco for $7.99 a pound, strips are slightly cheaper).
Here's my question, is Prime really worth it? It may be better than choice, but is it really worth the price differential?
On the occasions I dine at top steakhouses (Mortons, The Palm, etc) - the meal is always so overtop (in addition to Prime steaks, hash browns, crab cocktail, and a souflee) - that I'm not sure if my great meal is because of the Prime steaks - or the abundance of richness.
I've ordered Prime Strips from Lobels, and yes they tasted more meaty (dry aging) and were more marbeled - but when it comes right down to it, I'm not sure whether the price for prime is worth it.
Of course, everyone has different tastes - I'd love to hear your opinions.
Thanks!
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3 Comments:
To me, Beef is one of the greatest pleasures of life (culinary wise, that is).
I love Beef in just about every way it can be cooked, but Steaks are my favorite form.
Despite that, I personally cannot justify the cost differential between so-called "Prime" and "Choice." In fact, I think the difference is highly subjective (of course, "aged" is another matter ... aging definitely changes the flavor dramatically).
I think I can be perfectly content with "Choice" grade, and with cooking my own steaks at home (I cannot justify most Steakhouse's prices).
DocChuck at 8:46AM on 05/24/07
I think it's definitely worth the price premium. No need to spring for sirloins to enjoy prime beef; hanger steak, skirt steak and other "economy" cuts require a little more chewing, but they're hugely flavorful.
Cathy at 1:54PM on 05/24/07
As a follow-up on this topic: Giant Foods in the Columbia, Maryland area, is selling U.S.D.A. Choice Porterhouse and T-Bone steaks for $5.99 per pound . . . and they are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
Now, because of my perpetual crusade against "tainted food" I am still royally pissed off against Giant Foods for treating their ground beef with CARBON MONOXIDE . . . and I will NEVER buy that crap.
But their steaks seem to be a terrific bargain. In fact, I don't know how they can sell the steaks for that price!
DocChuck at 12:16PM on 05/27/07