eric EATS OUT

Allow me to set the record straight: I don’t go around recklessly spending $70 (or more…) on steaks.  Everyone is watching their spending these days, and I’m no exception.  But I will give Sam Fox credit for having the guts to launch such a lofty endeavor like Modern Steak. 

I highly doubt that the majority of dinner customers are going to order the highest priced steak on the menu.  The best steak I ever ate at a restaurant was at Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa, and it didn’t even come close to costing $70.  It wasn’t a la carte, and it came with salad, soup, vegetable and a potato.  Expensive, but a great value.  A close second is the Cowboy Ribeye at BLT Steak which was expensive, but not $70. (Edit: a subsequent visit to BLT Steak confirms that their Cowboy Ribeye, at $55, is the best steak I've ever had!)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Almost without exception, I can cook a better steak on my grill at home than I can get at any restaurant at any price.  Prepared well, a good steak from Costco or AJ’s will never disappoint.

For those who like to criticize, let’s face the facts:

- If there wasn’t a market for expensive food (or cars, or houses…) then everyone would be eating Top Ramen from the seat of an economy car.  There is a time and a place for indulgence; the definition of “indulgence” is different for everyone. 

- Don’t bet against Sam Fox.  Despite the fact that this market is saturated with high-end steak restaurants, there is room for one more if the food, service and atmosphere surpass the customer’s expectations.  Sam doesn’t have many “misses” on his record.  I think the food is awful at Olive & Ivy, but he has turned it into more of a “scene” than a restaurant and it’s packed at night.  A foodnik destination? No.  But it’s successful. 

- Why fault someone for taking a risk?  The construction of Modern Steak created local jobs.  The restaurant is not a national chain (like Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s, etc); it is locally owned and helps our struggling economy.  The economy won’t turn around until people DO SOMETHING and spend money, and Sam Fox has certainly done that.  Simply put: if you don’t like it, place your vote by not patronizing it.  

-Despite a dire need, Westcor was NOT going to use the space occupied by Modern Steak as a homeless shelter. 

I’ll give Modern Steak a try once they have had some time to work out the kinks.  It’s unlikely that I’ll order a $78 steak, and I’ll be sure to report back here when I’m done.