BajaNomad - Buying meat in Baja

Buying meat in Baja

amelia - 10-28-2009 at 02:00 PM

Where is a good place to stop and load up the cooler with some steaks, chicken, ribs etc... heading south towards BoLa

bajabound2005 - 10-28-2009 at 02:05 PM

Ribs, buy stateside. Everything else, Costco in Ensenada would be one stop and good quality.

noproblemo2 - 10-28-2009 at 02:23 PM

Commercial & WalMart in Ensenada are also good places

Bajahowodd - 10-28-2009 at 02:29 PM

The Costco, Wal-Mart and Comercial Mexicano are all near each other South of downtown on Highway One. Please note, if you are not a Costco member, Costco of Mexico is majority owned by Comercial Mexicano, which is just across the street, and likely has a larger selection of smaller quantity packages.

lizard lips - 10-28-2009 at 02:40 PM

Just bar-b-qued a rib eye I bought at Costco in Ensenada last night and it was one of the best steaks I ever had!

Pescador - 10-28-2009 at 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips
Just bar-b-qued a rib eye I bought at Costco in Ensenada last night and it was one of the best steaks I ever had!

That is because it was one of Shari's Burros. :lol:

DENNIS - 10-28-2009 at 03:21 PM

Taking beef to Baja is like taking fish on a hunting trip.

JESSE - 10-28-2009 at 04:59 PM

Costco's beef is good, but nothing spectacular. One of the few good things about this recession, is that top quality Mexican beef from Sonora is staying home, and if you invest some time tasting steaks from a few producers, you can find amazing beef at half the price of Costco. Remember, Sonora doesn't automatically mean great quality, theres good and bad producers everywhere. Costco's ribeye steaks are about $270 pesos x kilo, to give you an idea on how expensive is that. We manage to buy top quality beef directly from one of the top producers in Sonora, we fly it in twice a week, and its still 20% cheaper and the quality much better.

We also used to buy American Lamb from a distributor of US foods, but we found a local producer who sells exclusively to good restaurants and hotels in southern Baja. His Lamb is not only much better tasting and fresh, but about 30% cheaper.

Theres plenty of great things around, just do a little homework and you will find them.

Iflyfish - 10-28-2009 at 05:02 PM

Dennis:

"Taking beef to Baja is like taking fish on a hunting trip" :lol:

Good one!

Iflyfish

Bajahowodd - 10-28-2009 at 05:11 PM

Thanks for the education, Jesse. But let's remember, this thread was sterted by someone looking to pack a cooler or two with meat to hang out in BOLA. My guess is that the quality and price are going to be trumped by Dos Equis.

Mexicorn - 10-28-2009 at 06:34 PM

Want Cheap Filet Migon "El Florido" north Rosarito off the free road from TJ to Rosarito 86 pesos a kilo. Make sure they cut up for you there is a butcher on duty 9-6. They sell it in Shrink wraped two filets per package. If you only want only one just tell the butcher also it gives you a chance for the sniff test. I've found the prices at Costco are for dumb gringos also wallymart a total gringo rip off 130 plus pesos per kilo.
PS BONEHEADS the costco meat is from the US duh...

lizard lips - 10-28-2009 at 06:50 PM

Jessie, You above anyone know your cuts of meat, heck, you own the best restaurant in La Paz. The rib eye steak I had last night was expensive but as I said it was A+ in quality. I have bought meat at Costco that wasn't that good but this one was far and away the best. Each time I go to Hermosillo I eat at the same steak house and have never been disappointed with Sonoran beef. It has a taste all it's own.

noproblemo2 - 10-28-2009 at 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexicorn
Want Cheap Filet Migon "El Florido" north Rosarito off the free road from TJ to Rosarito 86 pesos a kilo. Make sure they cut up for you there is a butcher on duty 9-6. They sell it in Shrink wraped two filets per package. If you only want only one just tell the butcher also it gives you a chance for the sniff test. I've found the prices at Costco are for dumb gringos also wallymart a total gringo rip off 130 plus pesos per kilo.
PS BONEHEADS the costco meat is from the US duh...

Do you have a landmark or Km for El Florido?

vandenberg - 10-28-2009 at 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE

We also used to buy American Lamb from a distributor of US foods, but we found a local producer who sells exclusively to good restaurants and hotels in southern Baja. His Lamb is not only much better tasting and fresh, but about 30% cheaper.

Jesse
we'll be in La Paz in a few weeks. Is it possible for us to buy lamb from this producer while we are there? If so, could you give me a clue as where to find them?
Had "LAMB" thread here a while ago, but never got any definitive answer.

MitchMan - 10-28-2009 at 07:16 PM

Jesse, you own a restaurant in La Paz...with good steaks? Please, tell me where it is and what is its name? I have been going to the Kiwi restaurant on the Malecon for steaks and I am satisfied, but I could use a good alternative as well.

Sorry to other Nomads as I suspect this is one of those things that everybody else knows except me.

vandenberg - 10-28-2009 at 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan
Jesse, you own a restaurant in La Paz...with good steaks? Please, tell me where it is and what is its name? I have been going to the Kiwi restaurant on the Malecon for steaks and I am satisfied, but I could use a good alternative as well.

Sorry to other Nomads as I suspect this is one of those things that everybody else knows except me.

From the Kiwi, go two blocks up the street(away from the malecon) hang a left and it's about in the second block on your right. It's called "Tres Virgines" and compared to Kiwi it's like Tavern on the Green. Well, almost. :biggrin:

And now.....waiting comments on how far off I am. :biggrin:

[Edited on 10-29-2009 by vandenberg]

[Edited on 10-29-2009 by vandenberg]

[Edited on 10-29-2009 by vandenberg]

castaway$ - 10-28-2009 at 07:48 PM

If you look for the c-ck fights you can find great buys on chicken the next day, it's already been tenderized!

Mexicorn - 10-28-2009 at 07:49 PM

El Florido comming from TJ to rosarito on the free road once you start to hit the stop lights its on the north side of the street. It's a big grocery store you really cant miss it if you've gone all the way to the toll road you have gone too far. Also for those of you in Ensenada try "La Canasta" for good beef it's a few blocks from KFC ask any of the locals all the beef is from Sonora. The Butchers will help you but expect to pay 120 pesos per kilo, none the less good filet. Thats all we buy in Mexico. Dont mess with the Rib eyes or New Yorks go right for the Filet it's super cheap in comparison to US beef and great quality. Also "Los Globos" the Flea Market in Ensenada has a lot of good fresh meat and great quesos and super fresh produce. They have a freshly slaughtered hog there every Saturday. It's important to speak spanish in Mexico other wise your shopping at walmart for beef like a dumb burro. Most Mexican dont eat Filet to expensive and thier used to that paper thin cut beef they use for carne asada. Just Check it out next time your at the meat counter its a trip. My buds and are going to buy a suckling pig.

Mexicorn, Thanks for the Info on El Florido

Gypsy Jan - 10-28-2009 at 08:30 PM

I have noticed that big, attractive store and wondered about it.

It's a bit far off my regular shopping track, but if it is worth a special visit, I am definitely going there.

[Edited on 10-29-2009 by Gypsy Jan]

BajaNuts - 10-28-2009 at 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg

Quote:

vandenberg,
I would never presume to speak for Jesse or any other person,

but as a person familiar with restaurants, etc....here's a couple pennies worth...for what it's worth....

Depending on who and where the lamb producers are, they may only sell to wholesale outlets. They don't want to deal with individual customers who want one roast, "and can you trim that bit of fat off the roast before you weigh it....and that bit of grisle needs to come off also and ...and...and..." or two lamb chops......or.....you know what I mean.

It also might be a licensing issue but on this I have no accurate knowledge about how that whole retail vs wholesale issue works in MX. All I know is that NOB there are different licensing/inspection/tax requirements depending on how you are licensed.

But perhaps Jesse could order in a case of a cut you would like and pass it on to you with a little mark up.

I have asked my local restaurants and grocery stores to order items for me on occasion and most are more than willing to help as long as they get their cut.

JESSE - 10-28-2009 at 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg

Quote:

He has a ranch on the road to Todos Santos, so far i don't think he sells to the public but you can stop by the restaurant and i can show you the cuts, then we place and order and you just show up and pick it up.

vandenberg - 10-28-2009 at 09:09 PM

Thanks Jesse, we will see you in a few weeks.

BajaNuts - 10-28-2009 at 10:10 PM

vandenberg, sounds like you are "hooked up"

!

You got an "in", man..........

(ok, I'm jealous............)

bajamigo - 10-29-2009 at 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips
Just bar-b-qued a rib eye I bought at Costco in Ensenada last night and it was one of the best steaks I ever had!

Guess I misplaced the invitation.

shari - 10-29-2009 at 07:01 AM

If you are a baja part time resident or veteran, it would be worth it to do some asking around your local area and find out which ranches have lamb, goat, burro etc. and get hooked up. For example there is a ranch around sta.rosalia and they will send fresh lamb out on the mail truck to us whenever we want and we know some ranchers who will do the same etc. Also excellent sonora beef is readily available at some good carnicerias...for much cheaper than costco too.
The very best BBQ's I've had have been with freshly "obtained" meat...the lamb in Agua Verde was outstanding!!

rhintransit - 10-29-2009 at 07:12 AM

I remember a post with the names of various cuts of beef and pork in both English and Spanish...can anyone remind me where to find that chart?
my current search is for pork shoulder, but printing out and saving the reference would be nice. I'll do that this time...

Bajajorge - 10-29-2009 at 08:35 AM

Some of the best tenderest beef I've ever had came out of Mom & Pop Carnicerias in Baja.

vandenberg - 10-29-2009 at 08:35 AM

Roberta, here you go:

Chuck Diezmillo or sometimes paleta (shoulder)
Chuck roast Paleta or diezmillo en trozo
Chuck shoulder Bistec corazón de paleta deshusad
Chuck shoulder steak, boneless Bistec corazón de diezmillo
Neck Pescuezo (used for broths or jugo de res)
Shoulder Paleta (used for chuck steaks and pot roasts)
Blade Diezmillo
Cross rib roast Diezmillo

Brisket Pecho
Stew meat/beef Res para guisar
Brisket Pecho
Whole brisket Pecho entero
Flat-cut brisket, boneless Pecho, corte plano, deshuesado

Shank Chambarete
Foreshank or Cross-cut shank Chambarete de mano
Rear shank Chambarete de mano
For Stock Copete

Loin Lomo
Short loin Filete
Top loin steak Chuleta de filete
Filet mignon Filete
T-bone T-bone (yes,it is the same)
Soup bones Retazo con hueso o huesos para caldo
Porterhouse Chulete de los lomos
Tenderloin steak, pounded thin Sábana (i.e. "sheet")
Rib Entrecot
Rib roast or steak Costillas
Short ribs Agujas cortas

Flank Falda
(of course falda means "skirt" in Spanish, but this is really a flank steak)
Plate Falda anterior
Flank Falda posterior
Skirt steak (from the diaphragm muscle) Arrachera

Sirloin Aguayón
Sirloin steak Chuleta de aguayón
Sirloin tip roast Aguayón en trozo
Top sirloin steak Bistec de aguayón
Tri-tip roast Empuje en trozo
Tri-tip steak Bistec de empuje

Round Pierna
Top Round Steak Bistec de Centro
Round Tip Steak, thin cut Milanesa de pulpa bola
Round tip roast Pulpa bola en trozo
Bottom round roast Pulpa contra en trozo
Eye round roast Cuete en trozo
Eye round steak Bistec de cuete

Ribs Costillas
Rib roast (small end, premium) Costillar Punta Pequeña
Rib steak, small end Chuletón
Rib Eye Roast, premium Costillar de primera, deshuesado
Rib Eye Steak Rib Eye Steak (yes, it is the same)
Rib steaks Costillas chuletas
Back ribs Costillas traseras
Short ribs Agujas cortas

Short Loin Lomo
Top loin (strip) steak, boneless Bistec de lomo, deshuesado
T-Bone steak T-bone steak (the same in Spanish)
Porterhouse steak Porterhouse steak
Tenderloin roast, premium Filete en trozo, de primera
Tenderloin steak Bistec de filete

Short Plate Agujas
Short ribs Agujas cortas
Skirt steak Arrachera

Round/Rump Roast Tapa
Top round Tapa
Bottom round,bottom round, eye of round CueteTip roast, Tip steaks Bola or empuje

Other Cuts Otros Cortes
Ground beef Carne molida
Cubed steak Bistec suavizado
Beef for kebabs Cubos para brochetas
Stew beef Carne para guisar
Beef for stir-fry Tiritas de carne

rhintransit - 10-29-2009 at 08:45 AM

thank you Vandenberg for the great info. I've cut, pasted and saved it.
any recommendations for where to get the best diezmillo puerco in Loreto?

JESSE - 10-29-2009 at 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Jorge

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
we found a local producer who sells exclusively to good restaurants and hotels in southern Baja. His Lamb is not only much better tasting and fresh, but about 30% cheaper.

Maybe you could pay the local producer what Costco charges and suggest he charge 10 per cent more than that to his other customers. Maybe that way he can stay in business, grow his business and make some sheep cheese too. Support and promote local food producers or there won't be any.

Local producers sell regular Lamb at 50 pesos a kilo. This guy sells for about 3 times as that. So i think he is making good money and still managing to be cheaper than Costco who brings Lamb from New Zealand.

Mexicorn - 10-29-2009 at 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Jorge

Quote:

Where?