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HQ Meats
HQ Meats
HQ Meats

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Cut Glossary

AAA vs Prime vs Wagyu, explained simply

Beef grading comes down to marbling, the flecks of intramuscular fat that melt during cooking and carry flavor through the meat. More marbling generally means a richer, more tender bite.AAA is Canada's everyday premium grade, with moderate and consistent marbling. It is a reliable, well-balanced choice for a weeknight steak. Prime is the top tier of graded beef in North America, with noticeably more marbling and a deeper, steakhouse-style flavor.Wagyu goes further still. American Wagyu, a cross between Wagyu and Angus cattle, has more marbling than Prime with a richer finish. Purebred Japanese Wagyu, usually graded A5, sits at the...

Sep 02, 2026

sourcing
by HQ MeatsSep 02, 2026

What 80-day wet-aging actually does to beef

Wet-aging holds beef in vacuum-sealed, cryovac packaging at a controlled cold temperature for an extended period. Over that time, natural enzymes already present in the muscle slowly break down connective tissue and muscle fibers, which is what makes the meat noticeably more tender.It also gives the beef more time to...

cooking guides
by HQ MeatsSep 02, 2026

Reverse-searing a tomahawk, start to finish

Salt the tomahawk generously and let it sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to an hour before it goes anywhere near heat. A steak this thick needs the head start, or the center will still be cold when the outside is done.Reverse-sear it: oven at 250F with a thermometer...

seasonal
by HQ MeatsSep 01, 2026

How to size your Thanksgiving standing rib roast

A good rule of thumb is about one pound of bone-in roast per person if you want leftovers, a little less if you do not. For a table of 6 to 8, a 6lb roast is the sweet spot; for a bigger holiday crowd, size up to 8 to 10lb...

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Our Location

362 Old Kingston Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Phone: 647-451-4688

Open In store:

Tuesday 11am-6pm

Wednesday 11am-6pm

Thursday 11am-6pm

Friday 10am-6pm

Saturday 10am-5pm

Sunday 11am-4pm

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