Cooking for one is not always fun. Who is there to divide doing the dishes with or discuss the high points or not so tasteful parts of the meal? Planning a meal is exciting, trying to put together sides to compliment a new dish or try something new but can't all that work get old? How many times do I have friends over and I panic that there won't be enough macaroni salad or baked beans? (Very frequently let me tell you!)
There is one food though that I truly enjoy basking in the glory all by myself. That food is steak. Solid, red, American raised beef. Since I work in the beef industry I feel it is only my obligation to support my livlihood! (No - this is not a promo, I really just love beef and everything about it) As needed I buy ribeye rolls wholesale. Cryovacked hunks of meat that have never been frozen. I take that meat and let it sit and age in my freezer for an extra 2 - 4 weeks and then cut steaks and repackage them as I see fit. (Packs of 1 to 4 steaks) There is no need to cut a thin steak, a 1/2 inch thick ribeye is fine, but couldbe far better at an inch and a quarter or thicker. And so I cut, one steak at a time and listen as my tummy begins to grumble.
After cutting all those steaks I have to give into my cravings and eat the fruits of my hard labor. Conveniently, I have cut steaks on a weekend when all my friends are out of town. Sure, I would love to share the company with friends but I am tackling this all on my own. One of my favorite parts? I don't prepare sides, I don't plan out a menu. My menu is one thing: solid ribeye. I get my charcoal grill piping hot and on goes the steak. Cooked to my taste (medium) I enjoy in all the glory of this delicious American meal. I let my thoughts run wild with the equisite taste of beef and the anticipation of what's to come. My mind wanders to the advantages of a solo steak and here are my top five reasons it is the best food to eat solo:
- I don't have to worry about making sides or intense meal planning - it is complete in itself. Beef and beef.
- There is only one dish to wash, my plate. (Plus knife and fork, but I sure won't have to use that knife much with as tender as it is!)
- My thoughts can wander as they like and taste buds can run wild without the interuption of small talk or requests for more milk or salad.
- There for sure won't be any leftovers, it's just that good!
- Grocery shopping for extra ingredients? Yeah right, protein, salt and pepper please!
My list could run on for days.... but I won't let that happen. Just remember, the next time you are feeling lonely and tired of dining solo, do not fret! Find a store, buy a steak and indulge, it will change your outlook on everything!
Now that I am craving beef I think it's time to indulge....
Happy dining!
CGM
