Where to Buy Your Holiday Turkey in Sacramento

The turkey hunt in our forefathers' time was somewhat easier than it is today. All they had to do was stroll through the woods with their favorite shotgun and knock over a few birds and call it dinner. Now, we must compare every turkey at every store to every other turkey on the market. We have to decide what kind of turkey to buy (see my article Buying the Right Turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner), and find the best price for the best quality. It could take weeks! Here is a short list of my favorite hunting spots for the elusive "perfect" turkey in the Sacramento area.

1) Corti Brothers Market at 65th and Folsom Boulevard in Sacramento. For many years, Corti Brothers has been a reliable gourmet resource in the Sacramento area, and their turkeys reaffirm their sixty-year commitment to the highest quality goods for your table. For a fresh turkey or a premium heritage turkey, this would, without a doubt, be my first stop. Be sure to order your turkey well in advance! This place is so well known in the region for their fine turkeys that you absolutely must pre-order if you want to be guaranteed your bird for Thanksgiving. It is well worth the cost and the trouble.

2) Whole Foods Market at 4315 Arden Way in Sacramento. Whole Foods is the new standard for gourmet superstores - if they don't have it, you just might not be able to get it! They pride themselves on quality, organic meats, and they are another great source for fresh or a premium heritage turkey. Again, you'd be wise to pre-order to ensure you get the turkey you want.

3) Raley's and Bel Air Supermarkets throughout the Sacramento region. Now we are getting more into the mainstream markets, but still, places focused on great quality. Raley's/Bel Air has been in the Sacramento region since 1935, and they thrive today as one of the few big supermarkets that still has the finest quality in USDA rated meats and poultry. Their service is also second to none. You can pre-order your "Super Broad Breasted" turkeys in advance, or select from a huge array of frozen birds. Raley's markets remain my "old standby" for finding everything for the Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

4) Winco throughout the Sacramento region. For great bargain prices on frozen turkeys, you can hardly beat this place! If you have the time for the full warehouse experience, you can also stock up on your staple goods here. The operation is employee owned, so you know they will treat you right.

5) Sam's Club and Costco throughout the Sacramento region. Don't forget the club stores when you are bargain hunting! They offer great prices on turkeys for the price-conscious shopper. While you're there, you'll find many of the platters and things that you'll need for service, along with a huge array of Christmas decorations.