T Bone: Bad Steak, great experience.

[Dad207]

My wife and I went to T-Bones the other night, a go-to a couple of times a year for the jalapeño burger and a steak or an occasional prime rib. Usually a good value, and we have typically had very good experience. We recently went there, sat at the bar and put our order in, jalapeño burger for her, New York strip ($43) for me. About 20 minutes later, the bartender told us that the system failed and our orders were not put in; she said she'd ask the kitchen to prioritize our orders. OK, that happens, we were content with our drinks. About 15 minutes later our orders came out, her burger was perfect, my steak was downright tough, almost inedible. When the bartender asked about our meals, I cut my eyes and she immediately noticed I was unhappy, and I explained the situation. A few minutes later, the manager came over and offered to put in a new steak for me, I declined as I had already had about a third of it. She apologized, and five minutes later, gave us a gift certificate and had ordered us an additional steak with all of the sides to take home. When the check came out, we were charged only for drinks. Did we have late meals and a poor steak? Yes. Will we go back again – absolutely. This is a place that pays attention and knows how to make up for dropped ball.

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by Dad207

My wife and I went to T-Bones the other night, a go-to a couple of times a year for the jalapeño burger and a steak or an occasional prime rib. Usually a good value, and we have typically had very good experience. We recently went there, sat at the bar and put our order in, jalapeño burger for her, New York strip ($43) for me. About 20 minutes later, the bartender told us that the system failed and our orders were not put in; she said she'd ask the kitchen to prioritize our orders. OK, that happens, we were content with our drinks. About 15 minutes later our orders came out, her burger was perfect, my steak was downright tough, almost inedible. When the bartender asked about our meals, I cut my eyes and she immediately noticed I was unhappy, and I explained the situation. A few minutes later, the manager came over and offered to put in a new steak for me, I declined as I had already had about a third of it. She apologized, and five minutes later, gave us a gift certificate and had ordered us an additional steak with all of the sides to take home. When the check came out, we were charged only for drinks. Did we have late meals and a poor steak? Yes. Will we go back again – absolutely. This is a place that pays attention and knows how to make up for dropped ball.

Considering that they went out of the way to make things right……it really was unkind to start your post with “bad steak”. They have a great reputation for their food and that was clearly a mistake that rarely happens. Your kind words after the fact is like getting hit with a velvet glove

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Considering that they went out of the way to make things right……it really was unkind to start your post with “bad steak”. They have a great reputation for their food and that was clearly a mistake that rarely happens. Your kind words after the fact is like getting hit with a velvet glove

He simply called it the way he saw it: nothing wrong with that.

[Slickcraft]

We often go for lunch on Tuesdays to get the 25% veterans discount. Recently, for the first time ever, my wife's lunch order got delayed so mine came out first and we then had a not too long of a wait. Apologies and her late lunch was free. And she was given a $25 gift certificate for use the next time.

Alan

[ITD]

I generally don't order steak at restaurants around here any more, not since I discovered the prime beef counter at Market Basket. It's $22 a pound right now for prime sirloin strip, and it beats 90% of the restaurants nearby. Plus, with a digital thermometer, I never screw up the order.....

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by ITD

I generally don't order steak at restaurants around here any more, not since I discovered the prime beef counter at Market Basket. It's $22 a pound right now for prime sirloin strip, and it beats 90% of the restaurants nearby. Plus, with a digital thermometer, I never screw up the order.....

I have heart disease, so I have steak only 2-3X/year. But one of the best meals I've EVER had was last winter at a friend's house where he did steak sous vide then a minute on the grill. Unbelievably perfect, way better than a thermometer--har on the outside, maybe 1/8' or less of brown, then a perfect uniform pink or whatever doneness you'd like) all the way through. If you're OK with health and like steak at home--get a sous vide!

[retired]

Over the years, we never had a good experience at T-Bones. Don't plan to go back unless it gets phenomenal reviews in the future.

[DougNH]

Originally Posted by ITD

I generally don't order steak at restaurants around here any more, not since I discovered the prime beef counter at Market Basket. It's $22 a pound right now for prime sirloin strip, and it beats 90% of the restaurants nearby. Plus, with a digital thermometer, I never screw up the order.....

Sorry do not mean to derail this thread. What market basket location has this prime beef counter? Thanks.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by DougNH

Sorry do not mean to derail this thread. What market basket location has this prime beef counter? Thanks.

The newest Market Basket in Concord, NH as well as the Market Basket in Rochester, NH both have full service meat counters (each near the State Liquor Stores).

I can't remember if the Market Basket in Plymouth, NH has the full service meat counter or not.

I am guessing that the Market Basket in Conway does have such a meat counter (since it's only 2 or 3 years old).

I did make a stop at the Market Basket right off exit 10 on Interstate 93 in Hooksett yesterday. Although they don't have the full service meat counter I did ask the butcher at the self service meat counter to cut me several VERY THICK steaks (which he gladly did). We ended up with two great Filet Mignon Steaks @ $23.95 per pound.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

The newest Market Basket in Concord, NH as well as the Market Basket in Rochester, NH both have full service meat counters (each near the State Liquor Stores).

I can't remember if the Market Basket in Plymouth, NH has the full service meat counter or not.

I am guessing that the Market Basket in Conway does have such a meat counter (since it's only 2 or 3 years old).

I did make a stop at the Market Basket right off exit 10 on Interstate 93 in Hooksett yesterday. Although they don't have the full service meat counter I did ask the butcher at the self service meat counter to cut me several VERY THICK steaks (which he gladly did). We ended up with two great Filet Mignon Steaks @ $23.95 per pound.

I don't recall exactly what it was, but the owner of a butcher that just went out of business in Merrimack posted that the Certified Angus something something something at Market Basket was exactly what they sold at a much higher price at their butchery.

Anyone have a guess what that might be?

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[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I don't recall exactly what it was, but the owner of a butcher that just went out of business in Merrimack posted that the Certified Angus something something something at Market Basket was exactly what they sold at a much higher price at their butchery.

Anyone have a guess what that might be?

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That was true. All meat comes from the same distributors, much of it from other countries. Canada, Mexico, Brazil and others and by law, they dont need to identify it as such. All usda approved though so its all good. Buy by the grade. Prime, choice and select are the three grades used mostly. A lot of stores use “premium” on the label and there is no such grade……means they are using “select” which is still ok but not the greatest
If you a really great steak. Look for “product of USA” which is a voluntary label and means it was raised with much better standards of feed. I know grass fed is trendy but fat is flavor

[John Mercier]

I also see product that is "grass finished"; how does that effect the flavor?

[retired]

I think they dry rub it with marijuana to make it more enjoyable. LOL

[John Mercier]

You do realize that now that is going to become a thing.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by retired

I think they dry rub it with marijuana to make it more enjoyable. LOL

Now THAT'S high quality.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

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[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by retired

I think they dry rub it with marijuana to make it more enjoyable. LOL

They also "smoke" the meat...

[8gv]

When I go to Maine it seems that I have found my way onto the set of a Cheech and Chong movie.

I need FLIR equipment to see down the hazy roads...

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

I also see product that is "grass finished"; how does that effect the flavor?

That is a marketing tool. When American beef is “finished” they are put on a feed lot and given grain, mash and other feed to deliberately add fat. That’s how prime gets the heavy marbling.

[bellamaria]

posts 13, 15 and 16 LOL

[BroadHopper]

Lately, I have great steaks on order from Visa Foods in Laconia. Use plenty of salt and pepper to taste. Reverse shear on the grill with wood chips for flavor.

If I was to go out for steaks, O's is my local favorite. Another gem I found lately is Green Side at Lochmere CC.

For special occasion I prefer Isaac at Van Horn or Inn at Steele Hill. I found Lake Estate way too expensive to enjoy.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by DougNH

Sorry do not mean to derail this thread. What market basket location has this prime beef counter? Thanks.

Sorry Doug, missed this, but the MB in Plymouth has prime beef at their "full service" counter. It's getting pricy, around $24 a pound now for sirloin strip, but still really good.