There is a lot to be happy about, and little troubling news about the Holidays. For now, we are seeing our all-natural chicken holding in at just $2.99lb, while boneless chicken breast and thighs are both down under $4 per pound. Seasonal favorite, chuck roasts, dropped back down under $10 per pound, while the Center chuck steaks dropped $2 per pound to just $10.99. For the best chuck in the region, you have to come here. Everyone else carries the lower grade, and I mean lower (no comparison). Chuck eye steaks are first cousin to Rib-eyes, but 70% less money. And Speaking of Rib-Eyes, Rib Steaks and Prime Rib, brace yourself for all-time high prices.
For the holidays coming, something you should know. Fresh Turkeys are not going to be cheap! With supermarkets selling age-old turkeys from last year or before, I cannot say much about their prices. Traditionally they practically or literally give them away to get you in their store for the fixens. But genuine “fresh” turkeys will be over $3lb, so a 12lb Fresh Turkey will be pushing $40. And believe me, with many of us getting stuck with turkeys over the last few years, we are taking orders for a precious few. If you want a fresh one you better order early.
Hams are always around and relatively inexpensive, so they feed a bunch of people with very little waste. In fact, the ham bones and left over ham make a wonderful pot of beans. Now for the bad news! Prime Ribs are going to be crazy high compared to previous years. We are getting quotes that are very alarming, in fact our current cost is the highest ever! You know you are in trouble when the Supermarket low grade Rib Eyes and Rib steaks are pushing $30 per pound. By the way, Filet Mignon is well over $30 per pound right now at other places!
Warning: Buyer Beware… If you are planning on getting a Prime Rib for Christmas, order early! We are booking a limited amount of real Prime rib that will start at Just over $21 per pound. I am hearing horror stories of Prime Ribs going to $25 to $30 per pound as Christmas gets closer, and the supply is nearly exhausted. Start saving now for the real thing, and be prepared for “sticker” shock!
A word about local supermarket prime rib specials. Most supermarkets will be selling low-grade select roasts for some low-ball price. Well, no matter if they are $5.99lb, they are still not worth it. There is nothing worse than waiting 3-4 hours for a holiday roast, and to be completely and utterly disappointed. There is, however, always a good chance that Raleys will throw up a major “loss leader” Price. If that appeals to you, keep an eye out and jump on it. They don’t mind losing tons of money on a hot special, so don’t wait, when it’s gone, their prices are higher than ours.
If the price of Prime Rib Scares you, please consider our awesome USDA Prime Cross Rib Roasts. They have no bone, no extra fat, yet are beautifully marbled, and easy to cook, slice and serve. They are a total crowd pleaser, yet a best kept secret! Do yourself a favor. Come in and get a small Prime Cross rib roast for a test run! You will likely be blown away. The left-over roast makes the best Roast beef sandwiches, French dips, and sliders ever. After that experience, you can be confident that your family will love your holiday dinner roast, and you will save a small fortune over that Prime Rib….
Whatever your Holiday meat and party needs, we can take care of them. But, you might just want to let us know early. Supply is limited on many traditional items, especially Fresh Turkeys!!
Lakeview Supermarket and Deli, and Lindy’s Quality Catering 274-5573 LakeviewSupermarket.com