Today I learned…
I would assume if and when I heard beefsteak.., people were talking about some kind of beef.., right?
Well, not so…
As far back as the late 1800's in NYC large groups of men (back then they were men only) gathered in dark, gloomy cellars.., and with all etiquette tossed to the wind -- they would chow-down on beefsteak -- massive amounts of beefsteak and pound ale (beer) like there was no tomorrow!
No utensils were allowed or napkins… They ate with there hands and wiped their greasy fingers on white aprons, that were part of this, somewhat grotesque tradition. These "get-togethers" were held all over the New York City -- from the South Street Seaport and up and down the east and westside. The most famous, was held at.., Uncle Billy"s -- William S. Miller's carpenter shop on East 40th Street.
The beefsteak started by the New York City working class.., usually set-up to raise money for politicians.., or just a celebration of friends. Tammany Hall was a regular host of the beefsteak. Diners sat on crates, low stools and even empty beer kegs. They told stories, sang songs and just enjoyed each others company, while gorging themselves with steak and ale.
When the 18th and 19th amendment was passed women were allowed to attend.., and were welcomed with the phrase -- "We greet our better halves." The only famous beefsteak quote I ever heard was -- "Womenfolks didn't know what a beefsteak was until they got the right to vote."
And then were the "classier" beefsteaks held on the westside… Some of these allowed the patrons to use forks and even served things like crab meat and baked potato. Even though utensils were present it was largely frowned upon to use them the beefsteak -- the steak was to be eaten with your hands.
The usual take for a normal sized man was about 6 pounds of steak and 30 glasses of beer.., at a sitting… But by the end of 1930's beefsteaks were getting a little more "formal." Napkins started to pop-up along with knives and forks.., and slowly the tradition was vanishing…
Today however, the beefsteak is making a revival… In Brooklyn, NY.., Hipsters gather in their skinny jeans and wool hats -- they still wear white aprons and eat with their hands.. but the meat is provided by "Pat LaFrieda" and the trendiest meat around -- and probably the priciest, too. They are held at nicer establishments, like the Bell House, a concert hall in Brooklyn and Whole Foods provides day old bread.
Still there is a sense of tradition as people gather.., once again to eat with their fingers, wipe their greasy hands on white aprons, guzzle beer.., and basically enjoy each others company. So, even if they are not held in dingy basements or Uncle Billy's carpenter shop.., at least they're trying… CHEERS!
Read More:
http://www.brooklynbeefsteak.com
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