Hearst Ranch Beef

Great beef. Buy it at Whole Foods. They have SALES all the time. The packaging won’t be an issue.

Before you spend a considerable sum to purchase a Hearst Ranch Beef product, you should read this review carefully to see my experience as a multi-​time buyer. The first time I purchased their expensive product was at their kiosk at Hearst Castle Visitor Center in San Simeon. The 8 oz. steak was reasonably priced but they had no ice pack or dry ice available that day for my 5 hour trip home. So, I gave them another chance. A friend asked what I would like as a thank-​you gift and I said two filet mignon steaks from Hearst Ranch beef. To my great surprise, and the monetary disappointment of my kind friend, the so-​called «filet mignon» steaks came (1) without any dry ice left and room temperature even though they were supposed to be «flash frozen»; (2) She ordered 2 and got charged postage ($ 20+) for two even though the additional weight was only 8 oz. more for the second one (the first would have been 4 lbs. and 8 oz. with dry ice and packaging; adding one more added only 8 oz. but the «bundled» postage added $ 20); (3) the plastic shrink wrap on one of the steaks was cut and juice was all over the bottom of the styrofoam packaging; (4) When I tried to get the issue resolved (through two different phone calls an hour apart), no one answers their so-​called «Customer Service» line. Instead, you get a recording saying they will get back to you within 24 hours. Frankly, that’s not good enough for a premium product. Caveat emptor!