Is anyone else excited to check out Michael Pollan’s new Netflix series, Cooked? I’m looking forward to it.
I think a lot of us follow Pollan’s advice, “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” Certainly, in our home that’s true. Even when I indulge in my love for things like steak, I try to limit the portion – the truth is, humans don’t need that much protein in a single meal. Mostly, I don’t regret that. Tonight was one of those occasions when I absolutely did.
I used a very small steak for my meal tonight, reasoning that it was more than enough. Really, though, I should have been following someone else’s advice. “Everything in moderation, including moderation,” said Oscar Wilde, and right now, I’m inclined to agree.
This week’s recipe from My Paris Kitchen had us slather a chipotle and smoked salt rub on our steaks, prepare compound butter pats with two forms of mustard, and oven bake hand-cut French fries tossed with olive oil and herbs. What was I thinking trying to practice moderation with that on the menu?
It may have been small, but the steak was perfectly medium rare. I savoured it as slowly as I could and made sure I swept up all the juices and mustard butter with the French fries. Next time, I won’t be skimping on portions.
You can read through everyone’s posts here. And consider joining this community of wonderful cooks and lovely people, as we work our way through David Lebovitz‘ My Paris Kitchen.
One Wet Foot 
Ah, moderation! This was one of those dishes where things came together just perfectly. We went in the opposite direction and truly enjoyed it.
Glad you were able to work this in.
TOTALLY believe in everything in moderation including moderation! This was SO good!
Hee hee, Teresa! I had a big smile on my face reading about the moderating moderation. 🙂 Probably the best review one can give a recipe, right? I’m going to have to make those fries, darn it. Indeed, it’s been a few weeks since I made the steak and reading everyone’s posts makes me want to return to the recipe. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to make so there’s that. I’m excited for Pollan’s new series and have heard, also, there’s a possible Food Studies emphasis coming to my university! Woo!
Hahaha Teresa! From 16-oz piece to a very small piece enjoyed by one, my true story of one portion divided into two takes the cake! Love the layers of favors in the steak, from the dry rub to the mustard butter. And I WILL get the fries baked, soon!
So happy you enjoyed this meal Teresa! It really was great – and if you’re going to eat meat – might as well be something as good as this! I didn’t get the fries made, but will soon. Everyone has raved. Your dinner looks delicious!!
We are not big on steak so one small rib-eye did it for us. The potatoes were really good,
a perfect way to cook them, crispy but still tender inside. Your photo looks fantastic.
I don’t have NetFlix so will have to wait for a review of the show, though I adore Michael Pollan. We shared a steak the size DL recommended. We eat smaller than average quantities of meat at our house, unless we’re serving to company. This was a winning menu though, regardless of the portion size. So happy we’re all cooking together again.
Teresa, I just noticed that you posted so here I am to comment. Thanks for the heads up on “Cooked”. I remember hearing about it but had forgotten about it. I’m into “Wolf Hall” now but will check out MP. Love Mardi’s comment so I won’t try to do better regarding moderation. I bought 1 rib-eye and made two meals, dinner and then a steak sandwich for lunch the next day. A leftover steak sandwich is almost as delicious as a leftover meatloaf sandwich. Those french fries, pretty tasty, huh? I am happy we are back cooking together. Although you’ve been posting and I’ve been reading your informative blogs, it’s not like working on the same project.
Thanks for the tip on the Michael Pollan show. I will definitely check it out. Glad to see that you enjoyed this as much as I did! It was delectable!
Love the Oscar Wilde quote haha! This looks wonderful!
You steak look so succulent! I’ll have to check out the cooking show, we finally have Netflix here in Australia!
I love that Oscar Wilde quote. I had the opposite problem because I sent my husband to buy the steaks, which always means that they will be XXL. Oh well, leftovers are always good.
By the way, I love the autumn leaves in your blog’s cover photo. It’s a really beautiful shot.
Moderation is always great advice, but sometimes you just need that special treat. I had steak frites for a late lunch yesterday (on Sunday), medium rare as well, and it was perfection. This looks wonderful, Teresa!
I love that Oscar Wilde quote. Your steak looks delicious, Teresa! We really loved this meal…I don’t do a lot of beef in our house, but I do appreciate a good steak every once in awhile!
I will be looking forward to “Cooked”. Love Michael Pollan!
“Everything in moderation, including moderation”: I have never heard that quote before, but I love it! This recipe was definitely one worth splurging on. While your serving was small, it still looks delicious!