Being a Vegetarian

Surprised? But just wait, what I actually mean by this is that I whole-heatedly advocate eating a salad and even some broccoli or asparagus with a nice big juicy steak. Hey, God created us as omnivores, and who am I to try and disrupt that plan. So ok, I am not a vegetarian by the "strict" definition...I like to eat animals, and I am not ashamed (Please my Vegetarian and Vegan friends, I mean no disrespect, they are just so tasty and part of a well-balanced nutritious breakfast-lunch-dinner.)



So last night I had the opportunity of eating at a Shula's (as in Miami Dolphins Coach) Steakhouse. It was a nice inviting atmosphere with dimmed lights, dark wood paneling, and high backed chairs that you would expect to see a guy smoking a pipe while reading a book in front of a fire place (yes the guy with the silk robe and scarf). There were Miami Dolphin photos and paintings throughout the restaurant, which surprisingly did not take away from the high-end atmosphere. Anyway, enough atmospherics and on to the food...

The menu is quite fun as it is printed on a football and placed on a rubber tee on the table. You don't really need it though, as th waiter brings out a delicious looking cart with all the different cuts of steak that they have, and gives a wonderful explanation of what makes their meat so special. Anyway, we started with large bacon wrapped shrimp covered in tangy BBQ sauce....Awesome! Then onto the salad, which was actually not as impressive, as it was primarily the fancy,organic mixed greens we always get from Costco. But the steak, oh that juicy,tasty piece of fresh carne...I got the 16oz New York Strip, I know not the best of cuts, but this cut was as tender as most place's filet mignon. It was cooked perfectly and did not need any condiments. For sides we had mashed potatoes with lobster tail mixed in, and broccoli with the best hollondaise sauce that I have ever tasted. Since everyone else got dessert, I went along...three large scoops of mango sorbet topped with raspberries and mint, all in an almond brittle bowl...Excellent! Needless to say, I went home very pleased.

Speaking of meat, obviously I didn't eat enough growing up. Now I know why I was too small to play Division I football in college. While waiting for my party to arrive, I was sitting in a hotel lobby with several of the Arizona Cardinals football team (as pictured below). In fact, while searching for a restroom I accidentally almost walked into their practice session in one of the hotel conference rooms. It is amazing how no one questions you when you put on a blazer or suit jacket. Anyway, the point is I felt tiny next to these guys, which if you look at their stats, it should be no surprise why.