I had no idea there is a local wagyu shop in town! Last night Eric R. and I attended a HYPE event here for a wagyu tasting. Our host Tyler shared the history of wagyu beef in Japan, how it made its way to the U.S., and what is different between the two countries in production. Booth Creek's ranch is located just 20 miles away, so the cattle are raised locally. Marbling content is verified for each cow by a lab in Japan! There are three levels of marbling (silver10-15%, gold 16-25%, platinum 25%+). This is not a quality indicator but is along the lines of USDA's select, choice, prime (though the fat content in wagyu is much higher). The store has frozen cases divided by these levels, as well as a frozen bargain bin (20% off) and fresh cases in the middle of the store.
The tasting began with beef charcuterie boards: jerky, jalapeno cheese snack sticks, and summer sausage with some cheeses. Then we were served wagyu meatballs cooked in Cox's BBQ sauce and honey from Booth Creek. The second course was a picanha roast, smoked and sliced like a prime rib. It was really close to the prime rib flavor and texture, but at a much better price point. Lastly, Tyler brought out KC strip steaks (platinum level, seasoned with salt and pepper only) that were sous vide at 127 degrees, and seared them on a flat top in beef tallow. After he let them rest for five minutes, he sliced them and we got to try them. They were incredibly juicy and tender, seasoned well. It makes me consider the sous vide method at home though I do not have the tools right now.
They offered some bundles and discounts as they kept the shop open late for us. We ended up buying gold label fajita meat and filet mignon steaks plus a bargain bin silver label filet tips. I cannot believe I have access to locally raised quality wagyu beef here in Manhattan! Beef is definitely what I had for dinner last night! read more