First off we rarely see tri-tip around here. And when we do it's crazy $$$$. I think the cheapest I've seen (in a non warehouse setting) is $18-$22lb and also around here $9.99lb for a good piece of beef is crazy cheap. Especially when you see lowly chuck roasts being priced at $15lb and up at a grocery store.FYI - The flat iron steak is cut from the chuck or shoulder area of the cow, specifically from the top blade roast. It's created by splitting the top blade roast and removing the tough connective tissue that runs through the middle. Pretty pricey for a slice off of a roast. For that price you can do Tri-tip.
On the rare occasion I buy precut steaks I steer clear of Costco because of their insistence of "blade tenderizing" the meat for all except tenderloin. But even chuck roasts and prime rib roasts they ruin. So, basically while I like the convenience occasionally of buying steaks pre cut I steer clear of Costco and go to Sam's or one of my 2 local small shops here. I REALLY HATE Costco taking that liberty with meat. So, I only will buy meat sealed at the packing house that Costco has not ruinedI couldn't find this yesterday on the east side of St. Paul, MN (Woodbury, to be specific.) Settled for a few strip steaks.
If it was anywhere up here, I'd expect it to be in the Business Center. Their meat department is huge.
I'm reasonably sure that these have not been tenderized with a Jacquard device. Likewise, while I have one of these devices, I rarely use it.On the rare occasion I buy precut steaks I steer clear of Costco because of their insistence of "blade tenderizing" the meat for all except tenderloin.