Project Steak Frites

This blog post began September 30th, 2019  because I was disappointed with a meal, and that disappointment has driven me to action.  I saw a cover shot of steak frites on Food & Wine last month that made me desperate to eat the dish.  I did my research, and I trusted a source that will remain unnamed, but you know who you are, and you are misleading a nation (shame, shame, shame).  Needless to say, I was disappointed with one of New York’s highly respected restaurants.  I won’t name it.  That is not the point of this article.  I won’t politicize this, I am just going to correct the problem. I am going to find the 10 best steak frites in the Northeast and share it with you.  I won’t be swayed by famous places or people...it is about the ability of the dish to satisfy the senses and that alone. 

I am not sure exactly why, but there is a phenomenon that is happening, and I am completely caught up in it.  I dream about my next steak frites, and I am on the hunt for what I think is the best, or at least the top ten most satisfying. I should mention that as a recovering vegetarian, perhaps I am driven by even more force than people who have been enjoying steak their whole lives.  This is important to me.  I am not going to call it religious, for fear of sounding outrageous, but inside, I know this is a spiritual journey. 

Ok, let’s begin with criteria. Not seeking culinary tyranny, I am open to a norming session.  For you gastronomic intellectuals, I say, “bring it on.”  I am not just seeking the best steak frites, but also culinary enlightenment.  Perhaps my notion of “good” steak frites is clouded by some cultural, political, or culinary force that has shaped or misshapen my perspective, so please share your ideas about cut, temperature, sauce, and style of fries, as well as garnish.  I am opening this conversation to you all. I am just getting it started because I know what is at stake here folks (yes, that was entirely intentional). 

I will take your suggestions, form my list of qualifiers, and let you know how the dishes stack up!