Hi -
I am also reading omnivore's dilemma and am completely disgusted learning about grain fed beef. Before I read this book - I actually went to a seminar on grain fed animals and the havoc it is causing the environment. The US had so much corn (genetically modified corn) they didnt know what to do with it - when they found they could feed it to livestock - and make them fat quicker, and then finish them quicker, to get bigger and more meat for our increasing consumption - they started just raising cattle and feeding them grains. It's easier and cheaper - however, the people consuming the meat are getting the short end of the stick, not to mention the poor cows on feed lots living only half the lives they could - not able to move around and feed on what their stomachs were made to feed on - GRASS. So with all the corn they eat, they get bloated, to combat the bloating they are given antibiotics. Did you know 84% OF ALL ANTIBIOTIC consumption in the US is in livestock? gross. And we wonder why our daughters are reaching puberty at age 8.
Bottom line - grass fed beef tastes better, and is as healthy as eating fish (in proper portions of course). I cant find it for the life of me in chicago. Sure fox and obel has SOME sometimes - and then occasionally i can find it frozen.
Higher end restaurants sometimes carry it - but well...that can happen only so often.
Has anyone been able to find a new source for that in this area? Personally - i think it even tastes way better than a prime cut of steak. it is BEEFIER. also - did anyone know that the steak in argentina is all grass fed - that's why it's so good. They did start feeding some cattle grains - but guess what? That's only for shipments to the US! They dont, and woudlnt eat grain fed beef - their taste buds KNOW the difference!