The Origin and History of The Steakhouse
Americans are avid beef consumers. To most Americans, a great steak at a well regarded steakhouse is a way to indulge this craving. And at DC Steak House in Chandler, we should know—we have been voted the best steakhouse in the East Valley. But how did the steak come to earn this reputation and what is the history of the steakhouse?
A Brief History
Mankind has been eating meat since prehistoric times. Cave paintings show that primitive hunters were killing and cooking the ancestors of today’s cow. With the advent of agriculture, the domestication of cattle began. It probably didn’t take long before someone decided that steak, baked potato and corn on the cob was a pretty good combination.
More recently—about 500 years ago—Spanish explorers brought Longhorn cattle to the Americas from Europe. They were closely followed by the British, who brought English cows with them to the first colonies. In the 19th century, the first Scottish Angus cattle were introduced to the United States. The cross breeding of Longhorn and Angus cattle gave us the Black Angus, now the most popular breed in the US.
The Rise of Steakhouses
Around the same time as the Black Angus breed was developed, beefsteak banquets became a popular fundraising event in New York City. Steak and bread were the only items on the menu. There was a more diverse menu of lamb and ham down the street at the local chophouse. But these establishments primarily served workers who needed a hot meal in the city. When uptown met downtown and beef was brought to the menu, the steakhouse was born.
The Meatpacking District of New York was a natural incubator for the first steakhouses. They were fancier than the workman’s chophouse, and soon become a popular and thriving industry. They were even elegant enough for ladies to frequent, and had an atmosphere that catered to the well heeled. It must be said that an evening dining at a steakhouse is still a special event for many people. And DC Steak House has its own unique history that makes it THE place for making very special memories.
How Do You Like Your Steak?
Any steakhouse worth its weight in salt will offer several cuts of beef. From New York strip to ribeye, filet mignon to Porterhouse, there is a cut for every appetite. At DC Steak House, we pride ourselves on offering only the finest, freshest cuts of meat in the Phoenix Valley.
We grill your steak just the way you like it. When you order your steak rare, you will cut into a prime cut of beef and see red from edge to edge. The center will be cool and the flavor will be the true flavor of the meat.
A medium rare steak is the best way to taste a grilled steak for those who want full flavor. It will be less bloody than a fully rare steak, but will still have a warm red center.
A steak that is grilled medium will have a hot center and will be pink throughout. A steak cooked medium well will have a hot, slightly pink center.
If you receive a steak that you feel is underdone, we can take it up a notch. Just ask your waiter. Unless, of course, you ordered a well done steak. As the premier steakhouse in Chandler, AZ, we do not recommend ordering your steak well done.
Steakhouse in Chandler, AZ
At DC Steakhouse, we are proud to carry on the elegant and tasty history of the steakhouse. If we’ve whet your appetite, call us for a reservation and we will be pleased to accommodate you. For an intimate evening, a family celebration, or a friendly get-together, DC Steak House is the only place to indulge your fondness for the best of the best. We have Take Out and Gift Certificates available, as well. But you really owe it to yourself to experience our fine ambiance.
Images used under creative commons license - commercial use (12/5/24). Photo by Carol Highsmith's America on Unsplash