So How Would You Like That Cooked?

[Eleanor Rose]

That question may have been asked for the first time at beefsteak banquets and chophouses in mid-19th century New York City. Beefsteak banquets were "primarily men-only political affairs, held as candidate fundraisers or to celebrate a recent victory." They got their name from the sliced beef tenderloin that was served. Each slice was placed upon a slice of white bread like an open-faced sandwich. However, the bread slices were rarely eaten. Instead they were stacked besides each plate as an informal scorekeeping system for how much beef was consumed by the gentleman diners. After all, who wanted to fill up on bread when there was so much beef and beer available?

Chophouses appear to have been only slightly more civilized. They showed up in New York City in the mid-1800s and catered to merchants and clerks looking for a hot meal. They were described as "dark and dusty affairs." Chophouses served a more varied menu than the beefsteak banquets. In addition to steak, lamb chops and hearty strips of bacon were served accompanied by a baked potato and mugs of British ale. As one reporter put it, "Those who don't care for steaks can have chops, those who don't care for chops can have steaks." Dessert was usually apple pie, mince pie or a wedge of Stilton cheese.

The Homestead Steakhouse of New York's Meatpacking District has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating steakhouse in America. It served its first charcoal broiled strip in 1868, just after the Civil War. It was considered a step above chophouses—suitable even for ladies—with a club like atmosphere and a very charming waitstaff. Annabelle, the bovine seen in the pics above, has resided atop the Homestead Steakhouse since 1953. She has served as a backdrop in "Seinfeld," "Law and Order" and "The Sopranos."

Have you ever eaten at the Homestead Steakhouse? How about Keens or the legendary Peter Luger in Brooklyn, both also of 19th century origin?

Keens has an interesting history too. Check it out here and meet Lillie Langtry!!!

 

[Tom Hughes]

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That question may have been asked for the first time at beefsteak banquets and chophouses in mid-19th century New York City. Beefsteak banquets were "primarily men-only political affairs, held as candidate fundraisers or to celebrate a recent victory." They got their name from the sliced beef tenderloin that was served. Each slice was placed upon a slice of white bread like an open-faced sandwich. However, the bread slices were rarely eaten. Instead they were stacked besides each plate as an informal scorekeeping system for how much beef was consumed by the gentleman diners. After all, who wanted to fill up on bread when there was so much beef and beer available?

Chophouses appear to have been only slightly more civilized. They showed up in New York City in the mid-1800s and catered to merchants and clerks looking for a hot meal. They were described as "dark and dusty affairs." Chophouses served a more varied menu than the beefsteak banquets. In addition to steak, lamb chops and hearty strips of bacon were served accompanied by a baked potato and mugs of British ale. As one reporter put it, "Those who don't care for steaks can have chops, those who don't care for chops can have steaks." Dessert was usually apple pie, mince pie or a wedge of Stilton cheese.

The Homestead Steakhouse of New York's Meatpacking District has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating steakhouse in America. It served its first charcoal broiled strip in 1868, just after the Civil War. It was considered a step above chophouses—suitable even for ladies—with a club like atmosphere and a very charming waitstaff. Annabelle, the bovine seen in the pics above, has resided atop the Homestead Steakhouse since 1953. She has served as a backdrop in "Seinfeld," "Law and Order" and "The Sopranos."

Have you ever eaten at the Homestead Steakhouse? How about Keens or the legendary Peter Luger in Brooklyn, both also of 19th century origin?

Keens has an interesting history too. Check it out here and meet Lillie Langtry!!!

Very interesting.

 

[Eleanor Rose]

I'm missing dining out!

 

[JOHN42768]

Time to dig in the freezer and fire up the barbecue. Not exactly like dining out, but you can eat outside