When faced with the vast array of steak choices in restaurants and upscale grocery stores, do find yourself wondering:  Is Prime really better than Choice?  What’s the difference between Grain-Fed and Grass-Fed?  Bison or Beef?  Dry Aged or Wet Aged?  What wine should I choose for which steak?

As a chef, I’m often asked these questions.  That’s why our Sommelier Mark Molitor and I have worked together to create Steak Week at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in River North, Rosemont and Lombard.

Every day from Monday, May 16^th through Thursday, May 19^th we’ll feature a different side-by-side steak comparison and wine pairing along with steak and wine tasting notes describing the characteristics of the two different steak options and explaining how the qualities of meat influence the choice of wine.

STEAK WEEK DINNER SPECIALS
MONDAY, MAY16^TH
Bison vs. Beef
Filet Mignon, Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Wild Mushrooms $32.95
Alexander Valley Vineyards—Pinot Noir—Alexander Valley—2009 $14/glass

TUESDAY, MAY17^TH
Grain Fed vs. Grass Fed
New York Strip, Grilled Vegetable Stack and Truffle Butter $32.95
Alexander Valley Vineyards—Cabernet Franc—Alexander Valley—2008 $12/glass

WEDNESDAY, MAY18^TH
Dry Aged vs. Wet Aged
Rib Eye, Horseradish and Gruyère Au Gratin Potatoes and
Grilled Asparagus and Veal Reduction $36.95
Alexander Valley Vineyards—Cyrus—Alexander Valley—2006 $20/glass

THURSDAY, MAY19^TH
Prime vs. Wagyu
New York Strip, Sunchoke Purée, Pickled Red Onions and Red Wine Demi-Glace $39.95
Alexander Valley Vineyards—Cabernet Sauvignon—Alexander Valley—2008 $11/glass

Leading up to Steak Week, I’ll also be creating a weekly video blog describing different cuts of beef, giving cooking tips, and more which you can access here at Harry Caray’s Facebook page.   Along with the video blog, I’ll also be asking a weekly trivia question—if you answer correctly, you’ll have the chance to win a gift certificate for a free steak at Harry Caray’s.

The trivia question this week is: “What are the major differences between Dry Aged and Wet Aged Steaks?”

The question is already up on our Facebook page, so check it out and next week we will be posting the first video blog with the answer to our trivia question and more information about steak.  So stay tuned.

I hope to see you at Steak Week!