[Mama_Bear]

tri-tip roast = tri tip roast = triangle-tip roast = beef loin tri-tip roast = sirloin tri-tip roast   Notes:    This is a very flavorful cut that's great for barbecuing as long as you take pains to keep the meat from getting too tough.   The trick is to not trim the fat until the roast is cooked so that the juices can tenderize the meat.  When it's done, slice it thinly against the grain.  This cut is popular in California, but you might have trouble finding it elsewhere.  A steak cut from this roast is called a tri-tip steak.   Substitutes:  shell roast

Here is a link to The Cook's Thesaurus - Beef Loin Cuts

Scroll to the bottom and there is a picture of a Tri-Tip....although the ones we get are much thicker. We also get ours already trimmed so there isn't as much fat as in the picture. We have never had a problem with tri-tip being tough...but I think the marinading helps...and not over-cooking it. :-)

[dutchess]

Boy you are good Lori! I'm going to print out the link and take it to the butcher! Thanks!

[Mama_Bear]

I don't know how many people are interested in this, but I know you are so I will post this.....this answers a lot of your questions, I think.

Discover the Great Taste of Beef Tri-Tip   

This flavorful beef cut has been one of the beef industry's best kept secrets.   Tri-tip was seldom marketed when carcass beef or beef quarters were delivered to retail markets because there are only two tri-tips per carcass.  This meant that there was not enough for a case display.  Consequently, the butcher would grind or cube it.  Today, most stores receive boneless boxed beef.  If you don't see tri-tip in the meat case, ASK FOR IT.  It may be temporarily out of stock.   Tri-tip roasts can be ordered separately if your butcher knows there is a demand.

A beef tri-tip roast is a boneless cut of meat from the bottom sirloin.  It also is called "triangular" roast because of its shape.

(Sheesh!....I can't imagine someone grinding up a perfectly good tri-tip! LOL)

More info and recipes : Discover Beef Tri-Tip

[JustAmy]

My sister and I toured the Oak Alley Plantation.
The 1/4 mile drive to the plantation house was breathtaking.