Where the Beef Is....

I sit corrected.  The restaurant, 'Nosh', that I posted about on Monday and implied was expensive, isn't.  The steakhouse we went to last night is.  One can always get into the debate as to whether or not it the food was worth it....

The restaurant, Murray's, is a Minneapolis institution.  It's been around for 60 years and is home to the 'Silver Butter Knife' and 'Golden Butter Knife' steaks; the name meaning that the steaks can be cut with a butter knife....and they can.  Murray's has some of the best, if not the best, beef anywhere in in the Midwest, if not the country.  It is always cooked perfectly, carved tableside, and presented with panache.  In typical U.S. fashion the portions are large.  The beef is so good that one does try to eat it all but it's a challenge. 

The steaks are for two or three and allow a hefty 14 oz (420gr) per person.  The 'Silver' is $85.00 for two or $125.00 for three.  The 'Golden' is more. 

As a traditional steakhouse should, they also offer the other staples, Onion Soup, French Fried Onion Rings, Caesar Salad and, my favorite, Shrimp Cocktail.  Both DS and I agreed that one can get too much of a good thing.  The shrimp in the Cocktail were huge.  Not just large, huge! We each had five shrimp, total weight had to be close to 16 oz (500gr).  One should be able to eat a shrimp, dipped in the horseradish/cocktail sauce in two, maybe three bites.  These took all of six bites.  Neither of us could eat more than three shrimp.

I have lived in Europe too long.  I used to be amazed at such gigantic offerings.  Now I find them slightly off-putting.  I would rather have had five more normal size shrimp with a more normal price tag and more flavor.  I also found the service, while warm and friendly, lacking a certain professionalism I have become accustomed to.  There was a tray of dirty dishes on a stand next to our table for the entire evening and the salad my DS ordered, admittedly as an afterthought, never appeared...although they remembered it later.  When one is paying these prices one expects better.  We went because when we lived here it was always a special treat to go to Murray's.  It's Christmas, we decided to treat ourselves again.  It's true, one can't go back.  I doubt we will go back to Murray's again.  But I will remember every bite of that steak....it was that good.  I know they get a quality of beef that is unavailable to us mere mortals...and they do cook it perfectly....but when we can get such wonderful food back home in France (or Spain) for a fraction of the cost, we find ourselves unwilling to pay these prices.  If only we could get the beef...

I assume the other items on the menu are equally good; we've never tried them.  What would be the point of going to Murray's and having fish?

Comments

[Cindy Young]

SO true about the portion sizes here in America! We simply cannot get it thru our thick heads that a "portion" of protein should be 3-4 ounces, with LOTS of veggies as the main. I try for that in my own home for myself, but if I tried to put a 4 oz steak in front of my hubby, he'd ask..."Where's the beef???" Old habits die hard.
Wishing you and yours a most blessed Christmas!!

[jann]

You are correct on our portions here in the states-I agree 100%! Happy to hear the steak was good! Happy Holidays to you and your family-enjoy your visit! Cheers

[riana]

Can I have the doggie bag? Sounds delish! (Though excessive) Bring some of that beef back home with you and we can have a dinner for four!

Happy Holidays!!!

Hugs and Love,
Riana

[meredith]

MMmmmm, beef that you can cut with a butter knife, now that, I miss.
Merry Christmas!