The 20 Best Steaks in America

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (MGWerks)

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:10:01 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by tommyeats

quote:
Originally posted by MGWerks

As MiamiDon says, it's another list of one guy's opinion. It's another elitist New Yorker feelgood piece by someone posing as an authority. Sorry for the rant, it's just a sore point.

what gives you the impression that this writer is "elitist", or that he fancies himself an authority? or a New Yorker, for that matter. seems like he's eaten at a wide range of steakhouses across the country. I'm guessing more-so than most of his readers.

I will stipulate that I might have 'over-expressed' my feelings in this regard. I in no way meant to offend anyone, and in retrospect cannot verify in print that he is a New Yorker. It just seems that more often than not such reviews are expressed as fact. Witness from the opening paragraph of this review - "a definitive list of the twenty best steaks in America.

There is no doubt he is an authority on food, he is widely published and distributed in books and magazines. But it remains that one man's definitive list is another's mere text. I still find it presumptuous for any one person to proclaim theirs the "definitive list." Let's consider the rest of my comments general feelings, and as such, should not have been attributed to this writer. Mea culpa.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (tommyeats)

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:05:37 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by MGWerks

As MiamiDon says, it's another list of one guy's opinion. It's another elitist New Yorker feelgood piece by someone posing as an authority. Sorry for the rant, it's just a sore point.

what gives you the impression that this writer is "elitist", or that he fancies himself an authority? or a New Yorker, for that matter. seems like he's eaten at a wide range of steakhouses across the country. i'm guessing more-so than most of his readers.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (MGWerks)

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:34:56 GMT

ROFL at cognitive dissonance! I am surprised (well, not really, considering the source) that the article did not include[url='http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/']Bern's Steak House[/url] in Tampa, Florida. Too many reasons to even state why it ought to be on the list. Before I go on, let me reassure all readers that any subsequent text doesn't refer to the average folks anywhere in the country. It's just these know-it-all guys and gals that get under my skin, and the fact that so many seem to take their words as gospel.

It's almost like there's an innate assumed superiority of many commentators and authors out on both coasts who are allegedly "in the know" just because of their location. Being from New York, DC, LA or San Francisco do not automatically imbue them with authority in anything in my view, much less food. I've been in these locations on business, and had some pretty decent steaks, at pretty ridiculous prices. Smith & Wollensky's steaks were pretty darn good, but at those prices, they ought to be. I also had a %50 steak at the Outback in Manhattan that was plain awful. To be honest, I've had better steaks here in flyover-land at a third the cost.

As MiamiDon says, it's another list of one guy's opinion. It's another elitist New Yorker feelgood piece by someone posing as an authority. Sorry for the rant, it's just a sore point.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (MetroplexJim)

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:59:46 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

quote:
Originally posted by danimal15

If there's not even one mention of Chicago, I'm going to simply ignore it. I can't stand those East Coast magazines that think everything between New York and California is a vast wasteland just to fly over.

With the exception of New Orleans it is a vast wasteland. And then there's California, which doesn't reach the mark that would elevate it to the status of a good wasteland.

After years of living in McLean, VA and after having enjoyed Peter Luger's, The Palm, and The Prime Rib many times, I'm happily wallowing in the wasteland here in Dallas - desperately clinging to my guns and my bible except when we go out for a great steak. No guns are allowed in Dallas restaurants. Bibles are permitted, but I leave mine at home with the guns as its admonition against gluttony causes unwelcome cognitive dissonance!

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (Baah Ben)

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:28:10 GMT

Ann & Russ - that sure seems like an excellent idea because you will get the exterior you are looking for and perfect doneness for the customer. At $40 for a steak (maybe more?) you cannot afford to have returns that are too well done. Most of these broiler guys are real specialists, but maybe these steak houses have come up with a better way? Maybe it is hard to still find a good broiler guy?

Chefs do finish most of their entrees in the oven so why not a steak too?

I'm wondering what type of thermometer they are using that can withstand 800 degree temps. Anyone know?

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (ann peeples)

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:49:12 GMT

Good point, Russ!

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (Russ Jackson)

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:50:43 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by annpeeples

We can still get beautiful tenderloins at my local butcher for 7.99lb.They will trim them and cut them as you wish.Bob and I are considering ordering a couple and freezing them before corn prices force Karl( Karls Market) to raise his prices.Our local grocery chain sells tenderloin for 12.99lb, and has NO taste at all...By the way, I found out how my favorite steakhouse prepares their steaks-they char them on a very high temperature, and then finish them off by baking them-each with a thermometer stuck in them.I may try that..

By the time you Char them on the outside mine would be done. LOL ...Russ

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (ann peeples)

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:38:54 GMT

We can still get beautiful tenderloins at my local butcher for 7.99lb.They will trim them and cut them as you wish.Bob and I are considering ordering a couple and freezing them before corn prices force Karl( Karls Market) to raise his prices.Our local grocery chain sells tenderloin for 12.99lb, and has NO taste at all...By the way, I found out how my favorite steakhouse prepares their steaks-they char them on a very high temperature, and then finish them off by baking them-each with a thermometer stuck in them.I may try that..

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (KingCrab)

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:21:48 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by WarToad

I do agree with danimal, you may be a great home cook, but top restaurants will have access to quality cuts of meat you'll be hard pressed to find at your typical grocery store.

Having said that, I haven't ordered a steak at a restaurant in years. I tend to order whatever is unusual or unique on the menu.

I agree with you, most home cooks do not have access to the quality of meat the top steakhouses in the country get, especially the ones that dry age their beef on site(David Burkes).

However, you can level the playing field, I order some specialty cuts from Allen Brothers, and the rest of the time I get prime beef cut to order from my local butcher. It isnt cheap, but its the way to go.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (Sundancer7)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:15:02 GMT

I am not sure about his list but I do agree on one thing. The price of corn has risen significantly. The steaks that I enjoy are certainly going to cost a lot more.

It is true that corn fed beef adds more marbeling or fat where Argentine steak which is fed on blue stem grass is much more lean. I personally prefer a good marbled steak. Marbled steak is brought about by fat which is corn fed and that is going to cost more.

I think any kind of beef is going to cost a whole lot more just like gas.

Best steak at what restaurant is somewhat subjective don't you think?

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (WarToad)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:00:53 GMT

I do agree with danimal, you may be a great home cook, but top restaurants will have access to quality cuts of meat you'll be hard pressed to find at your typical grocery store.

Having said that, I haven't ordered a steak at a restaurant in years. I tend to order whatever is unusual or unique on the menu.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (danimal15)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:51:47 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by KonaErnie

quote:
Originally posted by leethebard

True...that's the whole point of going to a restaurant...to have some one else cook for you with their expertise!!!!

Any Roadfooder is always invited to my house. What expertise does it take to cook a great steak anyway? When I go out to a restaurant (which is rare in this day and age) I usually order something I that never make at home. A nice crispy piece of duck or perhaps some venison. I'm a cheapskate.... what can I say?

I don't think it takes expertise to cook a great steak, but some of the great steak restaurants have more powerful ovens than we tend to have in our homes, which can make a big difference in getting the meat right, in my opinion. In addition, before I'd come to your home for steak, I'd like to know where you got the steak, how long it had aged, etc. The great steakhouses tend to get their steaks from the top cattle, and take great pains to age the steak for a certain amount of time after they buy it.

Also, I notice most steaks at the grocery store are choice, not prime. I suppose one could get prime steaks if they don't run a restaurant, but I seldom have had that opportunity. No offense, but if you're serving choice, I'd prefer a hot dog.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (JBarry713)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:36:18 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by hutt

It's just another stupid "poll". I have no idea why people form threads about this garbage.

I believe this is worse than many food "polls." For one, it's not a poll. The author just puts out his subjective opinion without any hint of criteria used. Secondly, unlike many "best of" lists, this one is comparing a fairly large variety of foods - anything with "steak" in it. I really do enjoy Pat's (and other Philly cheesesteak places), but a cheesesteak should never be compared to a real steak. It's a completely different food.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (leethebard)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:22:20 GMT

Noticed that too...I guess any one can set themselves up as an authority...or in this case just say it's a top 20 list without ANY qualifying remarks...Top 20 lists around roadfood would hold more water!!!

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (MiamiDon)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:08:48 GMT

I read the article for the second time, and cannot find any mention of it being a poll or a survey. It is just John Mariani's opinion. Nothing to get excited about - just food for thought and discussion.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (GNeedles59)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:53:13 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by wmceaton

One of the best steaks I have ever had was at Fernandes Steakhouse in Newark, NJ. Im not sure what it is called on the menu but it was referred to as the "Tile Steak". It was cooked on the grill then finished at your table adding butter, lemon juice & garlic. It is cut on a clay tile that has been baked in an oven & placed on a metal bracket that is set at an angle. The juices of the steak, lemon juice, butter & garlic flow down this tile into a bowl that collects the juices.
You cut the steak & dip it in the bowl of collected juices...no hearts next to it on the menu of course.
Fernandes is on the corner of Flemming & Chapel in the Ironbound section. It is worth the trip...they also have gated & monitored parking so you have a car when you finish.

I have been there awhile back and remember that place as being excellent.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (KonaErnie)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:28:02 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by leethebard

True...that's the whole point of going to a restaurant...to have some one else cook for you with their expertise!!!!

Any Roadfooder is always invited to my house. What expertise does it take to cook a great steak anyway? When I go out to a restaurant (which is rare in this day and age) I usually order something I that never make at home. A nice crispy piece of duck or perhaps some venison. I'm a cheapskate.... what can I say?

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (Michael Hoffman)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:18:04 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by NebGuy

I think MH's post was tongue in check but I will leave that for MH to say.

Oh, it was tongue in cheek about the vast wasteland part.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (Twinwillow)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:45:24 GMT

How can you talk great steak houses (in NYC) without mentioning, Spark's?

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (NebGuy)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:45:23 GMT

I think MH's post was tongue in check but I will leave that for MH to say.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (leethebard)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:30:22 GMT

True...that's the whole point of going to a restaurant...to have some one else cook for you with their expertise!!!!

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (Greymo)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:44:55 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by KonaErnie

If I want a really great steak, I'll go to the local butcher and buy the nicest piece of beef that he has available and cook it at home or a friends house. That way I know what I'm getting, cook it the way I like it and not have to spend a small fortune at a restaurant.

Homecooked is great but unless I am going to be invited to your home, I would really like to know about restaurants where I can go and enjoy a meal.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (KonaErnie)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:23:08 GMT

If I want a really great steak, I'll go to the local butcher and buy the nicest piece of beef that he has available and cook it at home or a friends house. That way I know what I'm getting, cook it the way I like it and not have to spend a small fortune at a restaurant.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (joerogo)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:10:47 GMT

I would love to try Peter Lugers but I am rarely in The Big Apple.

So I have to settle for his Great, Great Nephew's place wich is just over 10 miles from my home.

http://www.greatunclepeters.com/index.html

For my fellow wine-o's, they have a small but nice(typical steak house)wine list. Only $10.00 corkage.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (Twinwillow)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:42:06 GMT

Yeah, I saw that list too. I won't make any comments except to say, some are, "spot on". And, some are...........

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (ann peeples)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:32:17 GMT

My 56 year old cousin, who is in international traveler,deemed the filet he had at a restaurant we took him to the other night" the best he has ever had".And that was at a decades old steak joint in the middle of the inner city in good old Milwaukee.Point being there are many,many(and I would love to try any one my fellow roadfooders suggest)great steaks around the country.Benihanas????? Please

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (rumaki)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:26:28 GMT

I moved to Minneapolis in 1999, and I thought it was "flyover" land, too. In some ways, I still do.

But I think the steaks at Murray's are great, and I've taken discerning New Yorkers there -- and they've enjoyed it.

http://www.murraysrestaurant.com

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (uncledaveyo)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:24:28 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

quote:
Originally posted by danimal15

If there's not even one mention of Chicago, I'm going to simply ignore it. I can't stand those East Coast magazines that think everything between New York and California is a vast wasteland just to fly over.

With the exception of New Orleans it is a vast wasteland. And then there's California, which doesn't reach the mark that would elevate it to the status of a good wasteland.

Whatever.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (wmceaton)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:21:17 GMT

One of the best steaks I have ever had was at Fernandes Steakhouse in Newark, NJ. Im not sure what it is called on the menu but it was referred to as the "Tile Steak". It was cooked on the grill then finished at your table adding butter, lemon juice & garlic. It is cut on a clay tile that has been baked in an oven & placed on a metal bracket that is set at an angle. The juices of the steak, lemon juice, butter & garlic flow down this tile into a bowl that collects the juices.
You cut the steak & dip it in the bowl of collected juices...no hearts next to it on the menu of course.
Fernandes is on the corner of Flemming & Chapel in the Ironbound section. It is worth the trip...they also have gated & monitored parking so you have a car when you finish.

RE: The 20 Best Steaks in America (mayor al)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:16:20 GMT

Michael
I disagree with your comment about the quality of food in the 'Heartland and Intermountain West'. It is NOT a wasteland. This list is the product of another person who has made no effort to go beyond his narrow travels to see (and taste) what this country is all about.