Yes Chef!

 

Medium Rare has met so many great people in the food service industry. Earlier this month, we spoke with Aaron Deadman, Operations Manager at Silver Sage Beef in Calgary, Alberta at the Calgary Farmers’ Market. He answered a few of our burning, well maybe sizzling, questions about meat.

MR: What is your favourite cut of beef? 

Aaron: That would have to be beef brisket. Just a few weeks ago I spent over 12 hours smoking a 13 lb. brisket. By the time it was done the brisket was so tender you could pull it apart and it would fall to pieces in your hands. It was so moist and so good. It takes a lot of work, but the reward is more than worth it. 

MR: What is a cut of meat that should get more attention than it does?

Aaron: The most underrated cut of meat is a skirt steak. In Mexico, they call it arrachera. It’s a long piece of the abdominal muscle similar to the flank, but not as dense. I suggest you marinate it and grill or simply cut it into strips for fajitas. This steak has a great, beefy flavour, is versatile and will make a great new addition to any menu. 

MR: How has Medium Rare met the needs of Silver Sage Beef?

Aaron: When we were looking to develop a specific uniform image for our new company we couldn’t find anything that suited our needs. I found Medium Rare in City Palette Magazine. Over a series of meetings with Andrew, we developed a uniform apron that fit seamlessly with our look and image. It was a collaborative process based on our feedback and Medium Rare's creativity that ensured we got what we needed. I look forward to our next project together.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us Aaron. If you’re looking for more on Silver Sage Beef, follow them on Twitter @SilverSageBeef and like them on facebook.

We want your feedback in our comments section. Tell us what you think is an underrated cut of meat.
 

We recently made the three-hour drive to Fernie, B.C. from Calgary, AB, but not for the legendary powder at Fernie Alpine Resort, a skier and snowboarder paradise. We wandered into the historic downtown to visit Picnic Restaurant + Social, a year-round delight. Also, we wanted to see what the staff at the eatery thought of our chef apparel.

Picnic opened in December, 2009 in the old Livery building and under the watchful eye of Head Chef Keith Farkas. His inspiration at Picnic: Treat patrons to the highest standard of fine cuisine or what he calls “extraordinary yet approachable.” He also looks great in his black Medium Rare Classic Chef’s Jacket.

“I like the cut of the jackets, the embroidering and the service has been great,” said Farkas. “For my menu favourites, I would definitely pick the grilled lamb with vanilla onion puree and roasted garlic plus date cous cous. That flavour combination is unreal. Then cheese and wine for dessert, because cheese is it for me.”

Well, one of our favourite menu items is the bison short ribs. Slow-braised on the bone, cheddar polenta and roasted vegetables. Yum!

When you’re in Fernie, if power bars and energy drinks aren’t doing it for you after a day on the hill, make your way to Picnic. We promise, you will not be disappointed.

Picnic Restaurant + Social is open 7 nights a week for dinner and is in the process of setting up its new menu for the fall and winter seasons.

Welcome to the launch of our weekly blog, Yes Chef! If grownups still living in their parents’ basement can write one, we figure how hard can it be? The difference here is that you’ll actually get something out of it such as upcoming interviews with your favourite chefs from Rouge, Home Tasting Room and WineBar Kensington. We’ll also explore the importance of using locally grown food.

Plus, we make some killer chef apparel. While you’re here, browse around our online store. We want to do our part to make you look great, as you make food that is great to eat.

 If you’re still reading this, than we have done something right. We want to hear your comments and suggestions of what you’d like to read in this space. Follow us on Twitter—@MediumRareChef—because all the cool kids are on there. Like us.

 See you next week.