One point I learned a few years back was, when shopping for brisket, pick it up and place the middle over your forearm. IF the brisket "bends' some, it is more apt to be tender than one that has NO give to it at all. I am pretty picky about the briskets I buy and have had the best luck with those at Sam's. Choice beef always, as opposed to lesser grades of beef. Was disappointed last week though--went to get one for a party we were hosting later in the week and all they had were flats. Asked and was told they did not have the whole thing. That, and the price was $4.77/lb for the flats. I would have had to buy at least two of those, which meant better than $100.00 just for the meat! Happily, just across the aisle in a display case were whole pork loins for $1.68/lb. Bought one just under nine pounds--LOT cheaper and had plenty of meat for the 15 people we fed. Missed the beef flavor, but the money Nazi was MUCH happier.
