Steak Salad - Featuring Venison

I was supposed to get down to Grove City in March for a girls shopping trip with Allyson...that has yet to happen.  While I haven't been able to enjoy spending time with Allyson, I was able to recreate one of my Grove City Food fix's by making a venison version of the Pittsburgh Steak Salad.  If you don't know - this is the best salad in the world because it comes with fries.

Rachel's Roadhouse is a MUST food experience if you are ever at the Grove City Outlets - my personal recommendations are (1) Pretzels - they are deep fried and come with your choice of dipping sauces - Dann likes chocolate, I go for ranch dressing (2) Leesburg Hero - strips of chicken on a sub roll topped with french fries, coleslaw and cheese (3) Steak Salad (home-made recipe below) (4) if you have any room left try the Kentucky Derby pie.  Ok, so none of that is reflective of the healthy eating I've been trying to espouse here, there are times to splurge!

So..while I still haven't gotten to see Allyson, I was able to enjoy a steak salad using some venison given to us by friends.  First I cut 2 baking potatoes into long strips - aka Fries - added some olive oil, dash of salt and pepper - tossing to coat everything and then popped them in the toaster oven for about 40 minutes. 

Meanwhile I had the venison out of the fridge coming to room temperature - never take a steak straight from the fridge to the fire, let it come to room temperature and you will be able to sear it better and control the "done-ness" better.  About 20 minutes in to the potatoes cooking I started the steaks, cooked them to our individual preferences (I'm more med-rare, Dann's more medium, though he is definitely starting to like pinker meats better...).  Anyway, let the meat rest while the fries finish cooking.  Prep your lettuce and any other add ons (onions, cheese, tomatoes, whatever you like on your salad). 

Plate the salad, add the meat to the center of the salad, scatter the fries around, add some dressing and enjoy!!

Allyson - I promise we will get together soon!!