Prince Edward Island beef makes the cut

CHARLOTTETOWN—Beef producers in Prince Edward Island want to give Alberta a run for their money.

Sims Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar now serves exclusively Island-raised beef to improve consistency and quality.

Ross Munro, executive chef at Sims, said it was difficult to serve beef to his exacting standards when the cuts of meats they receive from Alberta are not identical.

“The challenge was getting that consistency piece all the time. (Now) it’s definitely cut to the specs we want,” Munro said.

He added that when problems arose, it was difficult to work them out with the supplier in Alberta, who is 4,000 kilometres away.

The PEI beef comes from Atlantic Beef Products in Albany, which is just 50 kilometres from the restaurant.

Munro said he is able to specify exactly the cuts he wants, with standards on size, age thickness and marbling all worked out. Sims also has first pick on the beef from the factory, meaning they get the best available. Sims goes through between 250 and 400 pounds of beef a week.

The reaction has been “phenomenal,” said Munro, with customers saying they are willing to pay for quality cuts of meat that they know is supporting the local producers and the local economy.