As someone that loves beef -- and on the receiving end of the gift -- which would you prefer?
1. $100 gift card from a local butcher shop
2. $100 gift card from your favorite on-line beef vendor
3. $100 worth of frozen beef products (a mix of cuts) selected by the gift-giver
4. $100 gift card for a local restaurant known for high quality beef
5. $100 worth of grilling supplies (tools, seasoning, etc.)
Large Big Green Egg, Weber Performer Deluxe, Weber Smokey Joe Silver, Fireboard Drive, 3 DigiQs, lots of Thermapens, and too much other stuff to mention.
1 and 2 are equal, then 3 and 4, then 5. But this is really just being picky because the question was asked. It’s like on a scale of 1-100, 1 and 2 are 99.9, 3 and 4 are 99.8, and 5 is 99.7. On a different day I might answer differently. With the product, there’s a lot of fun sitting down with a list of options and figuring out how to maximize value, that’s why I chose those first. But to have $100 worth of ANYTHING drop from the sky is a blessing. With supplies, I could easily think of half a dozen things that I wouldn’t buy, but would love to have.
I’ll note that I’ve never used a gift card to the exact amount; with a $100 gift card I’ve usually spent at least whatever it took to get up to free shipping, or if at a butcher something else that would justify the separate trip.
PGH_RAM Yep, that's the one halfway decent butcher within reach. They're just OK in my view, although the folks there are nice. Selection is not bad but not that great either, at least on the times I have been there (half a dozen or so). Honestly I get better quality and prices from Wild Fork, and it arrives at my door with free shipping... hard to beat.
1 or 2 for sure as I am too cheap to buy from a real butcher and thus it would be a very special treat. Probably 1 becuase buy local is nice.
As far a smaller gift suggestions for beef lovers, I highly recommend Wild Bill's Jerky. They have been bought and sold once or twice, but the recipe is the same! Definitely a favorite of mine!
I'm the same as RonB, I'd love to be able to patronize a local butcher but there really isn't a good one anywhere nearby. So the online giftcard would be my choice, leaving the choice of cuts up to me rather than the giver.
I don't have a good beef supplier near me nor is there a great beef restaurant within reasonable driving distance, so not really an option. I also already have most of the BBQ tools I think I need. Leaving really only 1 option for our household anyway.
I would obviously be gracious recieving any of those things from a friend or family member, but gifts that cost you time (driving 2+ hours round trip to use) would be met with a "thank you so much, but..."
22” Blue Weber Kettle with SnS insert
Kamado Joe Jr with Kick Ash Basket
Char-Broil Smartchef Tru Infrared Gasser
Anovo Hot Tub Time Machine with Custom Hot Tub
+2 for online, or in my case, driving to the local Wildfork store. However, most online suppliers require north of $100 to get free shipping, and much of the larger beef products cost over $100. $100 is still a good gift, but not necessarily a “free” one for the recipient.
Any gift would be greatly appreciated. That said, I’d rank them 2,1, 3, 5, 4. If there was a butcher shop locally, especially if it was good, I would flip 2 and 1.
Definitely #1. If possible I like to select the Beef, especially if it is premium product. Number 2 would be my second choice. I have not had any issues with Beef Vendors.
My pick would be #4, just because going out to a really nice restaurant
and ordering an awesome steak is something we rarely do.
We get to have excellent beef at home quit often, but being waited on and just sitting, talking and enjoying - with no prep work and no clean up - is a special treat. $100 does not go real far, but it certainly makes it easier to justify splurging once or twice a year.
If it was a top restaurant, I'd take the gift certificate for that. Unfortunately, there is nothing like that around me. I'd have to travel to the Los Angeles area or San Diego, which I don't mind doing now and then. We head to San Diego once in a great while to get seafood at a restaurant with ocean views.
I guess second would be a gift certificate for accessories. I think there is always some tool we could use.
The one we love to go to is in Carlsbad, north San Diego County. Right across from the ocean. Patio seating has a great view of the ocean, food and service are great. Parking s#$ks though. They have valet.
Carolyn and Clark and SheilaAnn I should also add that if you want a really nice, casual fish and chips place, practically on the beach, also in Carlsbad, here you go. Again, parking is always a challenge.
A high-quality meat subscription box has been one of my favorite gifts to give. A good cutting board or a personalized steak brand also makes a big impact. For something fun and unexpected, Personalized Photo Brick Figures could be a hit—imagine a mini version of them holding a steak or grilling. Throw in a nice set of carving knives, and you’ve got a great bundle any beef lover would enjoy.
Last edited by Grantaxis; February 17, 2025, 01:42 AM.
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