New York Strip Steak
The cut: Strip steaks, located in the short loin, are the second most popular cut after tenderloin, and the second most tender. “Strip steaks have deeper flavor than a tenderloin, they have enough marbling to give great flavor,” says Andrew Dombrowski, executive chef at Delmonico’s Steakhouse (6001 Quarry Lane, Independence, 216-573-1991).
On the menu: Sicilian Style Strip Steak, pan seared in a spicy Sicilian tapenade of olives, peppers, fresh herbs and spices; served with grilled asparagus
The chef says: “The tapenade is homemade and lends depth of flavor. It has a lot of garlic and crushed herbs and chilies,” Dombrowski says. “The dish is something very different.”
Ribeye
The cut: “It’s our best cut of steak,” says Peter Vauthy, executive chef of Red the Steakhouse (3355 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-831-2252). Located in the rib section of the steer, it’s just in front of the short loin. Red leaves the “deckle” on its ribeye — an extra tender part of cut that is often removed. The ribeye is “very well marbled and has a super amount of flavor. They’re wet-aged by our meat purveyor, and they’re so tender and so delicious.”
On the menu: Vauthy recommends the béarnaise for the ribeye.
The chef says: “We make our own herb and vinaigrette reduction, we clarify our own butter, we use fresh eggs,” Vauthy says. “It’s made fresh all day. The flavor of tarragon is just so good, it’s the perfect complement to this steak.”
Filet
The cut: Filets are cut from the tenderloin, located on the short loin near the steer’s back. “Our center-cut filets have a little marbling and are very tender. They’re the best cut of meat that you can get — no gristle or no fat,” says John Polonye, executive chef at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse (123 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, 216-344-2444).
On the menu: Steak Kosar: A filet mignon over bordelaise crowned with lobster and béarnaise; asparagus and mushroom caps
The chef says: “This treatment is available to any cut of meat, but it’s especially good with the filet,” Polonye says. “The lobster and béarnaise on top of a hot steak is just excellent.”
