Night of the Carnivore...

I have to admire my friend Tanya. As some of you may know, she is a vegetarian....a vegetarian that loves meat. However, she gave up the fabulous flesh for her belief in the right of every animal to not become someone's meal.... I could never have her fortitude. I am carnivorous in nature and unwilling to change my ways...

I was craving a big juicy steak and nothing could steer me off course. I 'm partial to New York Strips and Rib Eyes marbled to perfection, thus flavoring the meat throughout. I love everything about meat. The smell when you unwrap it from the butcher paper and the anticipation of how I will prepare it. Keep in mind, I am a purist and generally never dabble in the various sauces... So, I keep it simple....fruity olive oil, lemon zest, fresh garlic and herbs, coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper. I massage the ingredients in and allow the meat to come to room temperature. It is a ritual that I have come to respect. I am blessed to live in California where I can barbecue most evenings. And this would not be an exception. The other items on the menu would be grilled asparagus, a kick-ass Cabernet from the Stag's Leap District of the Napa Valley and for dessert, imported chocolate and port.



And after the last of the port and chocolate were consumed, I started planning my next carnivorous meal....veal chops. And with visions of veal chops buzzing around in my head, I reached for my inspiration, the latest issue of Food & Wine....