President Obama’s 2013 Inaugural Luncheon is set to include hickory grilled bison and steamed lobster.

Something for everyone, perhaps?

It has been said that Mrs. Obama’s health-conscious mindset was at the forefront in determining this year’s menu so bison (being the leanest red meat) was chosen to be showcased.

I, personally, have feasted on bison and could not get through bite #2. I did not enjoy the taste or the texture.

But maybe I’m just a baby.

To me, it looked like a steak and smelled like a steak. But when I tasted it I wanted to bang my fists on the table and shout, “I thought this was going to be a steak! You tricked me!”

Was it all in my mind? I KNEW I was getting bison so I was ready for it. But maybe I was TOO ready for it, just waiting for it to be different.

And so it was.

So, Inaugural Luncheon attendees, be ye prepared. Bison IS NOT a good ole ribeye. It’s different. Don’t make a scene.

Enjoy your lobster and keep your composure.

You can always throw a ribeye on the grill when you get home.

You’ve been warned.

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Okay, this recipe mixes two flavors many people crave — the ultimate in tender beef (the filet mignon) with tasty, distinctive shellfish (your choice of lobster, crab or shrimp).

It’s a little twist on the old “Surf and Turf” theme, combining the “surf” part right into the butter that will flavor the steak itself.

Utter genious.

And, it’s a simple recipe for steak butter you can try at home! I’m thrilled!

Give it a try!  

Grilled Filet with Shellfish Butter

(Serves four)

4 6oz. Filet Mignon

8 oz. Shells (Lobster, crab or shrimp)

8 oz. Butter

¼ Cup chopped Carrot

¼ Cup chopped Celery

½ Cup chopped Onion

1 clove Garlic, chopped

1 tsp. Tomato Paste

2 Tbsp. Brandy (optional)

2 sprigs Tarragon (optional)

Salt and Pepper

In a medium saucepan, sweat the onion, carrot and celery until soft, in 1 tsp. of the butter.  Add the garlic, tarragon and tomato paste and shells and cook for several minutes, stirring regularly.  If using shrimp shells, they should turn pink, since crab and lobster are already cooked, just break up the shells with a spoon or meat tenderizer if they are too thick.  Add brandy to deglaze and cook until almost dry.  Add the remaining butter. 

Cook over low heat for twenty minutes, stirring regularly.  Strain through a fine meshed strainer into a bowl and place in the refrigerator.  Once the butter has nearly set, spoon onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a log, tying the ends tightly and return to the refrigerator.

Season the filet on both sides with salt and pepper and grill to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium.  Slice the butter into thick slices and place on top of the filet while it is resting.  The heat from the filet should start melting to butter, if it doesn’t place it under a broiler for around fifteen seconds.