Merry Christmas from SteakMatters

During this most hectic of days, take the time to remember the reason we celebrate.

And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2: 10 - 11

The White Elephant Gift Exchange

My white elephant - a big, colorful, light-up cock!

Tonight's menu

Salad greens
Beef Tenderloin
Sour cream, fresh chives and romano cheese mashed potatoes
Fresh green beans
Asparagus
Fresh baked dinner rolls

Merry Christmas Eve from SteakMatters

With our stockings hung by the chimney with care and Run-DMC playing on the Rhapsody, Merry Christmas Eve from the Team at SteakMatters.com.

Whether you have been naughty or nice this year, our gift to you our loyal readers (besides our normal comedic commentary and observations) is the recipe for cooking this most opulent of cuts - the beef tenderloin.

You may remember this post originally appeared back in August of this year. An addendum to this recipe, which is below – if you are not hearty of soul and wish to stay inside, instead of grilling - take the following lead: preheat the oven to 500; place the trimmed cut into a roasting pan and season; once at temperature, place the covered pan in the over for 15mins; at 15mins, bring the temp down to 375 and leave covered for another 15mins; remove lid (to brown) and let cook until core temp of the thickest part reaches 130 degrees. (Note: If the meat needs additional browning to create a char, consider a short, low-heat broil before removing from the oven.) Once cooked to your liking, remove the roasting pan, cover and let stand for 10mins. Remove from pan and slice to preferred thickness. Enjoy with a nice red wine, a green veggie and a starch. Enjoy.

I usually marinate in with a coating of virgin olive oil (is there really any other kind), with minced garlic. I apply with a brush. Then salt and pepper. Let marinate for a couple, three hours. When you’re ready to cook, start the grill and get it up to 500+ degrees. Now I have a 3 burner grill, so what I do is once it’s up to temp, I put the meat on the grill, then turn down the burners directly under the meat, while keeping the other burner on high. I then cook, turn and baste the meat for about the next 45 mins. That usually gives me medium to well done on the ends, and medium in the middle. Plus you end up with a great char on the outside. Enjoy.

A Losing Proposition

Rudy Guiliani, today, announced that he will NOT be running for Governor of New York--nor will he run for the U.S. Senate. Instead, Guiliani bows out in favor of the very same guy for whom he bowed out of the U.S. Senate race against Billary Clinton--some 8 or so years ago. Who is this intimidating political powerhouse that Guiliani is supporting for Governor? Former N.Y. Congressman, Rick Lazio (pictured above).

His overbearing physical presence during a debate against Mrs. Right Wing Conspiracy all but assured her victory. I hope he learned his lesson, although, if he did the same thing, David Patterson wouldn't even see him.

Good luck, chump.

--GOTSOO

Turner Turns Up at GOP Breakfast

I'm dining with Ohio State Senator Nina Turner this morning at the Cuyahoga County Republican
Party breakfast. What a pleasant surprise to see her! She told me she's working on her website. All she needs is one page with a 'donate now' button. Remember how much Joe Wilson raised after his inappropriate outburst in the House chamber? People see something they like and then they turn to the Internet to show their support.

Senator Turner has stood strong in the face of vicious attacks from her supposed friends. Now her allies in county government reform need to stand with her and reward her for demonstrating unparalleled leadership. It's been said that leadership is lonely. Senator Turner must have felt like the only person left in the world.

State Rep. Matt Dolan is singing her praises and she just got a well-deserved standing O from the sell out crowd!

Nina, get that website up!

Happiness is a broken parking meter

Happiness is a broken parking meter. True bliss is finding two(!) broken meters in different locations in the same day.

Free parking! Now that's a Merry Christmas!

A Look Back

I was reviewing the archives of Steakmatters (yea i know)--anyway, I stubbled across this piece about how the state was in the last phase of the 21% personal income tax reduction. That was about a year ago today.

When folks need more help than ever taking care of their families needs--our government raises our taxes. But hey, at least the STATE's budget is balanced...for now.

--GOTSOO

What's on G's iPod

As I ease my way back in to sharing my thoughts on this, the greatest blog on the internet, ill begin with one of my favorite features--What's on G's iPod.

Jamey Johnson's music moves me. If i had to pinpoint it, i would say that it's a mixture of his deep soulful voice, and the amazing stories that are told in his lyrics.

This song, In Color, epitomizes the great stories told by Johnson. Others on his breakout CD, The Lonesome Song, tell tales of the struggles with addiction that Johnson has dealt with during his rise to fame.

His stuff moves me. I hope it moves you.

GOTSOO

'Short Coal'

Santa didn't just give me a lump of coal, the SOB gave me a whole sack and told me to go 'short' on coal futures. What do you think Rabbi?

Tommy Lee Jones and Mrs. Jones in da house!

At the turn...

Rainbow Warrior and the Conductor are in the snack shack!

Tee 'em Up

Its a forsome. POTUS, GOTSOO and SpinDoctor, all hosted by Lefty.

On the '4th' Tee. Got the Cleveland driver out of the bag and ready to hit it Dead Solid Perfect down the fairway. But hey, that's how we role in the land of SteakMatters when Lefty is throwin' a party at his NEW basement bar and GOTSOO and SpinDoctor is in the House.

Still Looking for that Perfect Christmas Gift?

Classic.

10 mins and counting

Jaws shared this clip with me. How embarrassing. Hey lady, the clip is 5 minutes long, so you've got 10 more minutes of fame(?) coming to you...

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Teapocalypse - The Tea Party Split
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

How to lose friends and infuriate people

So Jennifer Brunner threw Cong. Marcia Fudge and Cong. Zack Space under the preverbal bus today with her pronouncements that 1) Marcia Fudge, who is publically neutral in the Fisher/Brunner contest, thinks that Brunner is a better candidate; and 2) Zack Space, who has endorsed Fisher, did so out of fear of being redistricted. For the record, Space has denied the charge.

Whether they said it or not and whether they (Marcia, Zack, and the general public think it’s true) you lose political friends and infuriating people with such statements. I’m guessing that her comments were designed to generate some earned media. So if that was the case, mission accomplished. But is it worth the cost?

I’d wager that she did more harm than good. The likelihood of her making it out of the primary is slim, and getting a clear path to an Ohio Supreme Court candidacy (her Plan B?) has left the building.

Some folks criticized our little blog when we heard and reported in July that Jennifer’s friend Emily was pulling out. Well, thanks for coming to the party Josh Kraushaar, who reported in October:

Brunner hasn’t even won the endorsement of EMILY's List, which helps pro-choice female Democratic candidates raise money. That's a clear sign that the group doesn't view her as being capable of pulling off the upset.

Ouch! Enjoy the holiday party circuit.

POTUS

Brady Gustafson, A Profile In Courage

I've been really digging Facebook lately. I've reconnected with alot of folks, some of whom have had a pretty big impact on my life. Most recently, I've reconnected with a former military colleague of mine, Rick Gustafson. Rick is retired from the military--and now works for the post office in Minnesota.

I want to share the story of Rick's son, Brady--a Marine. To say that Brady's story is amazing is an understatement. Take the time to read it. Knowing what kind of man Brady's dad Rick is, and how he mentored me when I was a young man, it doesn't surprise me that he and his wife Kim raised such a brave young man-- and one of many American heroes.

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1894410_1894289_1894281,00.html

--GOTSOO

Chili Peppers Fresh Mexican Grill opens in Downtown Cleveland

I am a happy President! Chili Peppers Fresh Mexican Grill has just opened a downtown location in the historic Cleveland Arcade, located between Superior and Euclid Avenues. Brat in da Hood tipped me to this locally owned restaurant and its original (and still going strong) location on E. 185th Street. I couldn’t be happier to see this new downtown local for when I need to get a fix of really good Mexican food. They do a range of Mexican, but I get the burritos, which are huge and filled to your liking. Heck, I just blew through mine in 5 minutes it was so good. And coming in at just above 6 bucks, they are a great alternative to the bland $5 sandwiches that abound from corporate sub-shops. Stop by and tell’em SteakMatters sent you. Enjoy.

POTUS
(SteakMatters was not paid, nor did it receive free food for this review…although we wished we did.)

Netflix Excitement and Disappointment

I was completely stoked on Monday morning when Netflix emailed me that I would be getting The Hangover, which released on Tuesday. I mean, I really had to time this movie which required watching a DVD on Friday night to get it into Saturday’s mail so that that the Netflix center in Cleveland would process it on Monday morning early enough so I could get the first release. (Did you follow that. If not don't worry, it worked.)

However, I was disappointed when I got home this evening, having had two crappy days in a row, all I wanted to do was watch this moving that, if it's half as funny as the previews and reviews by folks like Jaws, I may wake the house with laughter. But guess what, the damn thing didn’t arrive today. I’m going to chalk it up to the US Mail service’s busiest shipping day of the year.

In spite of this grave disappointment, I was reinvigorated with excitement of a new Netflix alert that Inglourious Basterds had shipped today, which means, I should (US Postal Service provided) get that on Wednesday.

With the week I’ve been having, I think I will enjoy some LasVegas/alcohol induced comedy and Nazi killing.

POTUS

Next stop, Delicious

My dear Lord, the Conductor pulled out all the stops. The tenderion ranged from rare to medium. The rare was a perfect temp. of 130 so it wasn't crewy like some other cuts. The medium was tender and easy to cut with the fork. Spiked with some Crown, the night was made merry with food, friends and fun.

Conspiracy Theory

I'm no Jesse Ventura, but it strikes me as suspicious that a glut of H1N1 vaccine become available right after reports emerge that the outbreak is milder than expected. Was someone hoarding these vaccines? And if they were being intentionally held back, who were the intended recipients?

Now, I have to run to the store to pick up some additional roles of aluminium foil so I can finish covering my windows.


-Spin Doctor on the go

All Aboard!

Its an evening stop at the Conductor's station for a Christmas dinner of tenderion and a tumbler of Crown.

Now this is Christmas!

PoGo

13-6

Holy $hit! So this is what it feels like to beat the Steelers! I almost forgot! I feel for all you lovers of beef that stayed home, or sat in the club lounge to watch the game.

Browns vs Steelers

I'm not there, but many SteakMatters followers are. Good for them.

No, I had to pass on a couple of offers due to my late return home from travel.

So on my way home, I stopped to pick up some carry out at one of my favorite resturants - Luchita's. When I walked in the first thing I saw was a young waitress, who was wearing an f'ing Steelers jersey. I just couldn't believe it! But you know what...its not her fault. It the Browns fault. They were gone and upon their return, they have consistantly but out an inferior producrt for ten years. The cold hard reality of that product is this - the Browns have lost at least 2, and probably 3 generations of Clevelanders that will NOT be Browns fans.

Oh well, its my birthrite and that of my children to be Browns fans through thick and thin...Go Browns!

PoGoBrowns

The Palm

Lefty, Rainbow Warrior and New York Strip. Merry Christmas!

Chef Geoff's happy hour

At the recommendation of Big Red, I did Chef Geoff's famous happy hour. The bar area was packed, which is where the specials are - big ass beers, burgers and beer. Big Red recommended the burgers, the waiter recommended the pizza (surprisingly), and I went with the Handcut Pepperoni Pizza w/ sliced tomatoes arugala, mozzarella. The pep was good, the mozz was fresh, and the arugula was plentiful...too plentiful. But I guess I'm a purist.

And the whole time I had to smell the fresh cut french fries at the table next to me. Why oh why did I not get the burger!?!

Let that be a lesson; give the place a second chance and get a burger next time. I mean this place does have PBR 16oz cans for $3.50 all day!

PoGo

The Lancer burns to the ground

The venerable Lancer Steakhouse in Cleveland, OH was reduced to a char, and not in a good way, early Sunday morning. Owner and local power broker George Dixon says he will rebuild. Read more at cleveland.com.

You know you're in Lake County when...

You know you're in Lake County when...waiting for an oil change 1) you have a guy so big he uses his stomach to hold his coffee; and more obviously; 2) ya got two guys comparing tattoos and talking about plans (an angel w/ wings over his 4 kids across his back) for more...if only they had more money.

Classic.

PoGo

Thanks for nothin' Tiger...

Thanks Tiger...because of you and your apparent double life, I can't even watch the evening news or any other current event shows with my kids in the room. Nice job jack a$$.

POTUS' in agreement - Charlie Brown sux

In case you didn't notice, (and I'm guessing many of you had and don't care), the President's speech tonight on the Afgan troop surge will premempt ABC's airing of the Charlie Brown Christmas.

I for one couldn't be happier. I have never been able to understand the facination with the whole Charlie Brown series. I never liked it as a kid, and I certainly don't now. And I can assure you that I don't make/require/encourage my kids watch them either. That includes the Thanksgiving special that I didn't even know existed until Ron Jawarski informed me of it this morning.

Let's face it, the shows are DOWNERS! The 'message' of them is lost on me because the first 15 minutes are so depressing I can never make it see the end.

If you don't want to watch the President tonight and you need some Christmas spirit, pop in a dvd of Christmas Vacation (featuring Chevy Chase and a cast of characters), or Elf (featuring Will Ferrell and Sonny Corleone).

PoGo

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

Just watched it on NetFlix. Some good lines. Nice cameo by Will Ferrell. A 'Used Cars' for 2009, but without the longevity. Still, gotta love Jeremy Piven. B-

The Hangover releases in 2 wks. Now that's a movie I can't wait to see.

PoGoing to bed