Steak is awesome. There is no arguing that. But I will say that often, I judge a steakhouse by the quality of their side dishes. The quality of the meat is attributable to Mother Nature and the cattle rancher, and of course, the butcher, but it is the side dishes that really determine whether a steakhouse's kitchen has skills. Yes, most of the side dishes revolve around potatoes, but there are some unique vegetbales out there, too.
- The Wedge - If I get no other side, I must at least have the Iceberg wedge. If the steakhouse does not have an Iceberg wedge, I cannot eat there. In fact, I wouldn't even mind if it were a single Iceberg leaf, filled with Blue cheese.
- French fries - naturally. I prefer the skinny ones, you know, just as a reminder of what I will no longer be once the meal is over.
- Onion rings - I am torn. Sometimes I want French fries. Sometimes I want onions rings. Wouldn't it be grand if we could have Frings?!? But of course, the greater question is, should they be breaded in a beer batter, or in breadcrumbs?
- Garlic mashed potatoes - I love them smashed, with the pink potato peels mixed in and the potatoes left chunky, not smooth and creamy.
- Sauteed mushrooms - It doesn't have to be fancy. They can be plain old button mushrooms. It doesn't have to be a fancy sauce either, like balsamic vinegar or a wine reduction. Just mushrooms sauteed in lots and lots of butter.
- Creamed spinach - Some like the simplicity of spinach lightly sauteed in olive oil with chopped garlic. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I love that stuff, but who doesn't love creamed spinach?!?
- Macaroni and cheese - This is a tough one, because though macaroni and cheese is never a bad thing, it's hard to find a macaroni and cheese that knocks your socks off. Big fat curvy noodles oozing with cheese and cream, and topped off with an oven-broiled crust.
- This one's for you. Did I miss one of your favorites? Do you think one of the 1-7 deserve to be mentionde twice? (Personally, I'd pick the Wedge seven times.) Do you disagree with any of the choices? Tell us!
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