El Dorado Dining Guide - 29

The prime cuts of beef at fayrays
will satisfy any steak craving.
Where to find the best beef
Text by: Don Hale | Photography by: Dero Sanford
W
hether it's a special occasion or just a good
reason for an extraordinary meal, steak
has always been one of the most popular
options. When you go out for a steak, you
expect a good experience: a comfortable
atmosphere, excellent service, and a skilled chef. However,
the experience truly begins with the right cut of beef. We have
put together a few insights for your El Dorado steak-out.
Quality beef - " It all begins with the quality of the steak, "
says Michael Rice, owner and chef at fayrays. Also, of utmost
importance - " how the chef trims the cut and the way it's
cooked. " Rice has been preparing choice cuts of beef at his
upscale restaurant, fayrays, located in historic downtown
El Dorado, since 2013. " We serve only Iowa beef, which we
believe is among the best available. "
For Joe Gallea, owner of El Dorado mainstay JJ's BBQ, his
customers have helped guide his menu in search of the perfect
steak. When Gallea started offering Certified Angus Beef
steaks as a Friday-night special, he quickly realized customers
enjoyed the premium steak every night of the week. " Angus
beef is extremely tender, juicier, and always packed with
avor, Gallea says, The brand's standards have become the
true mark of uality. JJ's now offers choice and prime cuts
daily.
Perfect preparation - Rice prepares steaks at fayrays in
the Pittsburgh black-and-blue method. The techniue comes
from a local Pittsburgh legend that steel workers would cook
their steak on a hot piece of metal, charring the outside while
keeping the inside cool. According to Rice, " fayrays most
popular steak is the filet mignon however, nothing beats a
New York Strip cooked rare with a little garlic butter. "
JJ's BB keeps a hot grill ready to prepare their Certified
Angus Beef. According to Gallea, t's important that we
get it right that's why we ask rare, medium, well-done or
anything in between. " However, the best quality cuts are
no good if they aren't prepared properly. " Knowing the
temperature of the grill is critical to preparing the steak
exactly the way the customer ordered it, " says Gallea.
Inviting atmosphere - Comparisons between JJ's
BBQ and fayrays are very distinctive. Both are loaded with
atmosphere JJ's has a very casual vibe, a walk-up counter
for ordering, a self-service drinks bar, and the place is packed
with local memorabilia. A more upscale dining experience is
found at fayrays, with table service and an extensive wine list.
The ambiance at fayrays is as uniue as the artwork covering
the restaurant walls.
Additional choices - An unexpected steak spot in south
Arkansas can be found at Joe's Grocery, located just east of
El Dorado at Nick Springs Road. Every Friday Joe's Grocery
prepares their ribeyes to perfection. f size and avor matter,
Joe's Grocery wins hands down. Another delicious steak
choice is Fernando's Mexican Grill on West Hillsboro near
Highway . Fernando's offers a great steak plate, and the
service is excellent. p
www.GoElDorado.com 21
Steak Out
http://www.GoElDorado.com
El Dorado Dining Guide

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