I LOVE trying new cuts of steak because it gets me out of my comfort zone. I tend to gravitate toward my old standby favorite, the ribeye.

But, sometimes, I won’t try something because I don’t exactly know what I’m trying.

That’s why I like this handy-dandy little guide to all the different cuts of steak. It tells you just what you’re eating . . . and why.

Like ’em extremely tender? You need a filet mignon.

Want a firm, lean cut? Try a top sirloin.

You get the picture.

And speaking of pictures . . . that one at the top? It’s a Porterhouse.

Nice, huh? It’s got the best of both worlds, baby — strip and filet.

Click on the guide above and you can be edumacated too!

Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Steak Company.

Remember how I wasn’t sure if my photos would do the cute little mini steakburgers justice? You know, the ones I grilled at the beach?

Well, check this out . . .

I think they turned out all right!!!

The combination of the gorgeous slider and the beautiful beachy sunlight made this a PERFECT meal. And photo. This was just taken on a white plate out on the balcony.

I was pretty sure I couldn’t mess up the grilling on these little guys. And I was right about that. I whipped out my George Foreman Lean Mean Grillin’ Machine and our little condo was filled with such an amazing smell. All I did was salt and pepper them. That’s it! The kids played as these babies sizzled and everyone kept asking, “Are they ready yet?”

They had been delivered to my door the day before and it was so nice to not have to hunt through the local supermarket’s selection of beef. We’ve been to this resort town before and it’s often iffy at best.

My kids loved how small and cute the sliders were. We bought Hawaiian rolls, sliced them in half and we had the perfect little buns for our mini steakburgers.

What a treat to have these little guys delivered to us halfway across the country!

Seriously, one of our absolute favorite aspects of a vacation is cooking great meals at night. We take the time to savor the experience of cooking and eating.

These sliders were so fun and flavorful. And to me, that’s what life’s about.

Remind me why I don’t live in New York again???

Check this out (a man after my own heart) . . .

NY: New LG Sworn in Over Steak July 10, 2009

From the NY Times:

Mr. Ravitch’s personal lawyer rushed from Manhattan to the restaurant, where the lieutenant-governor-to-be held up his right hand and recited the oath of office at 8:45 p.m., in between bites of his steak. The impromptu swearing-in made his appointment official before Republicans were able to persuade a judge on Long Island to block him from office. A waiter documented the occasion by snapping a photo with Mr. Ravitch’s wife’s cellphone.

So began the surreal journey of the 76-year-old Mr. Ravitch, who was perfectly content spending his golden years attending meetings of the various boards he sits on, running his investment consulting firm and honing his skills as an amateur woodworker.

I’m sorry, but this is classic. And bravo for not letting “official business” get in the way of a great steak dinner!!!

Now THAT is a steak enthusiast. . .

Excerpt courtesy the NY Times via www.statenewsshot.com.