Cooking Cheap

Long ago, I posted about an encounter with Yummy Meats. That old post still gets a comment or two a week. You should read it and the comments for background. That thread is getting a little long in the tooth. You can add your comment on it or here.

You would have thought I was on a black list with YM – never knock that door. If so, someone missed the memo. I told them I was a previous customer, barely satisfied, that I ran this website and the comments weren’t all that positive. That did not stop them from trying to talk past any objection. This time, I knew what the game is so I let it go on. I may know more about their business than the sales force does.

This guy said ‘all natural’ means hormone free and few other things. No claim for organic or feed choice (grain, grass, corn, etc). That’s good! There’s no way to verify the hormone free claim, but it was explained what “Natural” is. They also said “It’s Prime or Choice”. I asked if YM had paid to have it graded. They talked past that question, “oh it’s graded…” and I could check on some website or another on how to grade beef at home. Yeah, right! I pointed out that there are no grade markings on the box or the packages. We tried to negotiate a price. At the right price, I might try again. It did look slightly better than my last box and there were some different cuts and names. The thin cut bone in rib steaks are replaced (yay!) with Tenderloin Medallions which I was told are the trimmings off the narrow end of the Tenderloin and would be just perfect of Kebabs. The hamburger patties are now 90/10 so they don’t shrink. That’s the wrong direction for good tasting hamburger, IMO. I don’t think Tenderloin be they, steaks or “Medallions”, is worth the money at any grade, but that’s just me. All in all, it wasn’t a compelling offer.

We did several dances around on the grade issue and variability, box to box, order to order along with the promises of returns (which he and my commentators admit happens). He tried to sell me just one pack of Ribeyes to win me back as a customer.

I said no, not today. Write your name on the brochure and if I decide to buy, I’ll call and ask for you. That pushed him into a another pitch. Sigh, OK, Fun’s over. “I said one of the biggest complaints on my website about YM is the aggressive sales techniques, like door to door salesmen which is what you are. I’m sensing that here. You’re not listening to me.” Yeah, that was bit harsh on my part, but 100% accurate and it wasn’t going to end if I didn’t end it firmly.

They made another half hearted attempt as they packed up. I managed to drop Amanda’s name a few times during the long conversation, one to show them I’m informed about them and also to see what would happen if they called the mother ship. No harm, no foul. I could have said ‘no’ when I opened the door and I did apologize for wasting their time.

An hour later, the guy shows up at the door with a pack of ribeyes, “I apologize if you think I was too pushy so I want you to have these” He said some other things to soothe me even though I wasn’t annoyed. It was clear that he wanted this visit to be really short and I should forgive him so he doesn’t get more unknown to me grief. Did the mother ship send him back to deliver a peace offering? I report, you decide.

In my rating system. by definition, any free steak is a good steak! I’ll test one in a day or two and report back. And if I rave or rant, you’ll know the history and that there is a possibility of a “paid for” bias. Full Disclosure. Oddly enough the box was slightly damaged like it had been closed too firmly and too often (salesman sample box) or in anger as if a salesperson was commanded to cherry pick the best steaks (of my known preference). That would be rank unfounded speculation on my part of course. I’m not saying that’s what happened. K?

I’m just reporting my observations, uninformed speculations and opinion. I don’t hate YummyMeats. or the people who own it or work there. I don’t love them either. I do dislike bullshit hard sell sales games.

Review

Out of the defrost water bath. It weighs 12.25 oz, including the packaging. Call it 3/4 lb.

Ready for the charcoal grill along with a piece of corn.

Out of the grill at 120F, left to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. I was trying for medium rare, but it came out rare. The corn really was a disappointment but that’s a different problem. Rare is a good way to taste a steak. The outer lip was medium rare and IMO, it’s the best part of a ribeye (or prime rib). Also note that the 1 thick steak spread out to be half an inch when it meets the grill. Not complaining, I’m just noticing.

It was an OK steak. Didn’t suck. It didn’t wow me, either, and as noted, my price was right. When I had half the steak finished and half the potato, I had to decide which half to finish. Sorry, YM, but the potato won the contest. I’m looking forward to tomorrow though when I slice the left over steak into thin strips and saute with a jalapeno and sliced onion for a nice taco or two.