It may not be such a coincidence that Valentines falls in February when we are ready for a special treat after a restrictive January following all the indulgence over the Christmas festivities!
Chefs understand the importance of creating a memorable dining experience on this special day! And having steak on the menu is often associated with a special occasion celebration and therefore consumers expect restaurants to be featuring it on the menus. But the decision between what cut of meat you will have on your menu can make a difference, whether that is a tender fillet or a hearty ribeye steak.
Let’s take a look at two different cuts and the unique appeal they bring to the table.
Luxurious tender fillet steak
Fillet, also known as filet mignon is a favourite amongst many of your customers. Fillet steak is lean, buttery, and practically melts in the mouth. Its tenderness makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more delicate, refined eating experience. It has lower fat content compared to other cuts, and is therefore an excellent choice for those watching their waistline without compromising on flavour.
As the meat has a mild taste it allows for creative seasoning and complementary sauces to enhance its flavour, such as a traditional peppercorn or béarnaise sauce. For a more adventurous sauce why not serve it with a chimichurri sauce inspired by Argentinian cuisine.
Remember to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat. And by resting the meat after it allows for all the juices to be redistributed throughout the cut making sure it doesn’t taste dry.
To accompany the fillet, the obvious choice would be to serve it with triple cooked chunky chips but why not offer an alternative and potentially healthier match with some steamed vegetables and couscous or new potatoes, creating perfect partners to a fillet Valentine’s Day steak.
Ribeye: a celebration of beefy goodness
For customers that are looking for a more robust and flavoursome Valentine’s Day steak, the ribeye takes centre stage. The rich taste and juicy texture comes from the marbling of higher fat content throughout the meat, contributing to its intense flavour making each bite a succulent dining experience. Simply seasoning it with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper is enough to enhance the natural flavours of the beef.
Once cooked, there is nothing left to do but leave the steak to rest before serving allowing the juices to redistribute and the fibres to relax, ensuring that each slice is succulent, tender and packed with flavour.
For a hearty satisfying meal, serve it with a potato side such as classic chips or creamy mashed potatoes and why not recommend to your customer a robust wine to complement its bold flavour.
If it is too hard to choose what cut of meat to serve, why not consider a surf-and-turf combination creating a harmonious balance.
For some inspirational steak recipes why not visit our Recipes from Bidfood | Bidfood to give you some inspiration ready for a Valentine’s Day steak.
Beyond the kitchen, remember to pay attention to the overall dining experience. By having dim lighting, candles, soft music and tables set to enhance the romance, it makes it a memorable experience for your customers who will return year after year.
Discover more about our Farmstead fresh meat offering here: Farmstead | Own brand – Bidfood
For more on our beef offering: Wholesale beef supplier
For more on our meat and poultry offering: Wholesale meat supplier
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