Thursday, February 4, 2010

Steak Salad Success.

For some reason I have been craving steak salad lately. I would like to blame it on the pregnancy, but I think perhaps it is because I have been thinking of a trip I made to Clearwater Beach, Florida, with my girlfriends last summer.

Clear Sky Beachside Cafe was a casual, yet delicious restaurant that we visited on a couple of different occasions. The first time for lunch, and the second and third times for breakfast. Just to give you an idea of what our breakfast entailed:

Almond french toast. A-Mazing.


Complete with two of my best friends, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and this view from our seat on the outdoor veranda. Seriously, could I ask for a better day?


Well, on our lunch visit I happened to have a steak salad, which was to. die. for. In an attempt to satisfy my craving, I organized my weekly menu to include a steak salad. I used a recipe from The Food Network's Giada for inspiration, complete with the homemade red wine vinaigrette.

Unfortunately, I was unable to use Gorgonzola which is on my seemingly long list of foods for pregnant to avoid, but I substituted with fresh Mozzarella which was also yummy. (Although I imagine Gorgonzola would make even better.) I simply rubbed the steak with olive oil, salt and pepper, and pan fried it. Oh, and I also left out the Belgian Endive as I figured Romaine and Argula would suffice.



We served up our salad, placed our steak on top, drizzled it with vinaigrette, popped some garlic bread on the side and voila... a delicious dinner at home. Not quite as good at my salad at Clearwater, but then again my kitchen window doesn't afford me a view of the beach either.

3 comments:

Emily W. said...

MMMMMMM...how well I remember this cafe, the food, and the view. Looks like you did a great job recreating steak salad. Your mention of that cafe now has me craving the fruit crepes I ordered every morning! YUM. Great memories. :)

Suzanne Turek said...

Haha... glad to know I am not the only one with cravings. ;) Oh how I wish we could snap our fingers and be sitting together at this perfect little place again! Miss you!!!

Kim said...

I have tears in my eyes...so sweet! :) Ahh...memories.