Despite Oprah, LV loves beef

Brian Seals

Friday, Feb. 27, 1998 | 10:36 a.m.

Texas cattlemen still say Oprah Winfrey's statements about beef during her talk show were a bunch of bull.

And many Las Vegas consumers and meat industry workers agree her statements were of little consequence. Beef, they say, is still for dinner. And lunch as well.

Winfrey was cleared by an Amarillo jury Thursday in a lawsuit brought by Texas ranchers over statements made during one of her shows about beef and mad cow disease. During a discussion about the disease, Winfrey proclaimed she would never eat a hamburger again. Ranchers sought to collect $11 million from Winfrey, claiming she caused beef prices to plummet.

But in Las Vegas, the world capital of prime rib buffets and $2.99 steak and egg breakfasts, the Chicago talk show host doesn't seem to have affected meat demand much.

"You have concerns if it is really true. You tell people to cook it more," Mark Kenship said Thursday while eating at Fatburger on Charleston Blvd.

Others say it is a sad commentary on society to think talk shows could have such ramifications.

"I think that's pretty sad if people can't think for themselves," said Eric Chan, another Fatburger customer. "If people are that impressionable, it's sad for America."

And while a lot of butchers don't want to talk about the subject, they say the controversy has had no impact on business.

"I don't think what she said really hurt anything," said Glen Hare, who has owned Village Meats and Wines for more than 20 years. "I don't think she did any damage to anyone."

But Hare agreed the seemingly endless media reports of medical studies that pronounce judgements on food are bound to effect the dietary habits of consumers. Hare said such studies could harm a food group, but said most people have common sense when it comes to assessing such studies.

While those studies may have an impact, meat lovers usually come back. "When the holidays come along, people want prime rib," Hare said. "It's like turkey at Thanksgiving."

After all, in this day and age pronouncements of ill health come with most anything enjoyable.

"It does get exaggerated. Anything will kill you if you don't handle it right," said Sue Durio while eating at Fatburger. "But I wouldn't go to to England and eat."

And most consumers say using a little discretion will help combat concerns.

"I think it depends on where you get your meat and how it's prepared," said a woman, who would not identify herself, as she ordered a package of liver at Hare's store. "That's why I'm here."