Lobels Steaks A Review

[joshtpa]

As one of those people classified as a "Foodie", I like to try new things. Too me, there are few things in this world as good as a truly great steak. As someone that loves a wonderful steak, we go to the "usual suspects" list of places for a great one all the time. Most people know the list. I wont go through all of them, but for the National Chains, you have Flemings, Capital Grill, Ruths Chris, etc. etc. etc...Well some people do not know that you can get an even better steak sent to your door.

There are 2 types of steaks that steak eaters consume. There are choice cuts which are grocery stores, omaha steaks, Outback, etc. etc. Then there are Prime Steaks. High end steak house, mail order. Choice steaks can be very good, but there is NO COMPARISON between the two. We eat choice all the time, because Prime should be a special treat.

When it comes to mail order food, there are many great places to get steaks from. Allen Bros, comes to mind as a very popular place to order from and they have fabulous Prime Steaks. A few others are Wildfire & Peter Lugers. We have tried them all, and have never had anything but a FANTASTIC meal come to us. That is until last week.

I decided to place an order from Lobels last week for 4 steaks and some Wagyu Beef (American Version of Kobe Beef). I decided to place the order by phone and speak to someone. The First thing I noticed was that, the person on the phone was so knowledgable and sincere. No sales pitch or anything like that. 2nd thing I noticed was that they tell you, they do not FREEZE the meat. You will get it fresh overnighted. That is much different than any of the other places like Allen Brothers. It was packed in a stryofoam cooler with gel ice packs, not dry ice like others.

After I got the package the next morning, I unpacked it and prepared it for the grill when our neighbors were coming over later that day. After glancing through this grilling catalog that came with the steaks, I realized I did NOT want to season these steaks at all. Rather cook them as is.

So later that night when the steaks were done, we decided to all sit down and enjoy these fine steaks. David (neighbor) and I had gone up to my cellar and selected a BIG BOLD 2001 Cabernet from Pride Mountain Winery to go with these Steaks. All were cooked Medium - Medium Rare. All I can say is WOW! It was by far the best steak I have ever had in my entire life. It is as tender as cutting into butter. The flavor was spectacular in every way.

So in final words, I will say that if anyone really wants to treat themselves to something special, try them. You will not be let down. They were that damn good. By far better than anything I have ever had in a restaurant before. The wine which is about as bold as it gets did nothing to overpower the food. Just a great flavor on a fabulous steak. Thanks for reading my rather long review. Im hungry now!

[Harry Longshanks]

A steak review in "The Grillroom" . . . nice.

[joshtpa]

I felt it was appropriate.

[TheGasman]

I recieved 2 Wagyu porterhouses and 2 Wagyu Ribeyes from Lobels last year for my birthday from a friend. I will say that the porterhouse was one of the best steaks Ive ever had. Now im a Ribeye guy, but I wasnt as impressed with the Ribeye. I too kept it simple, just salt and pepper with a little olive oil. I still have the pamphlet that came with the steaks and I always contimplate ordering more.

Ive been trying to eat better as of late, so I keep these in my freezer. There is still no comparison, but very tasty.
http://www.buffalogal.com/Bison-File...aks-P37C8.aspx

[joshtpa]

We did not get any Ribeyes. Just 2 Porterhoues and 2 NY Strips. All were fantastic. Next time you order, if you are not "impressed", I would call them. I have only used them once now, but their service is fantastic. I will be ordering again in a few weeks. Pricey, but worth it to me.

[TheGasman]

Dont get me wrong, I was impressed with the ribeye, I just feel that a well aged and well marbled regular american ribeye is very similar. The porterhouse on the other hand blew me away, there is no comparison, so I could imagine the New Yorks to be just as good. In fact my Birthday is next month and I think I will order 4 of the bone in NYs. Do you grill them or broil them?

[joshtpa]

We grilled them. First time having them for me too. I have used Allen Bros before. Great steaks, but not in the same league.

[CosmosMpower]

So now you have me hungry and practically drooling at my desk I have to ask. How much and do they have a website? My birthday is in 2 weeks and this sounds like a great alternative to going out and getting embarrased by all my friends at some cheesy restaurant.

[joshtpa]

They do. Its www.lobels.com
And they are very expensive, but worth a treat.

[TheGasman]

Alright, you made me want a steak tonight. Im going to go down to Ruths Chris because its a block away from my house. There is also a Flemings and a Mortons right there, but I like Ruths Chris a little better.

[joshtpa]

Enjoy your steak. Im a Flemings guy myself. I like their sides. The Flemings Potatos and the Chipotle Mac and Cheddar are to die for.

[TheGasman]

I only went to flemings once, when the one by me first opened. I should give it another shot. I just figured for the money, I mine as well go to Mastros(Gargonzola Mac & Cheese,mmmm) or BOA(Asiago Mac & Cheese,mmmm), local spots. Flemings was a zoo when I went, im sure its mellowed out now, maybe ill go next week.

[joshtpa]

Give it another shot. I think you will enjoy it. Fabulous wine list as well for a national restaurant. We went there last week and as always it was a good meal. But I got something different. I got the "Beef Flemington". Basically beef wellington (filet inside puff pastry with a mushroom wine sauce) It was absolutely freaking fabulous.

[TheGasman]

Im not too into wine, although I was impressed with your collection that I read on the other post. My Dad will pull out a bottle of port evry once in a while,if we are hanging out. I always stick with Manhattans stright up if im at a steak house. A disturbing trend I have noticed at restaurants lately, is they have a bad beer selection. Sometimes I feel like a beer, and the best they have is a Sam Adams or a Fat Tire, thats not going to cut it.

[joshtpa]

Down where I am in FL, most steak houses have quite an amazing selection of beer. But as far as wine goes, we have a restaurant here called Bern's Steak House. It has the largest wine cellar in the WORLD. It has been in Wine Spectator numerous times. It is simply amazing.