In Chinese numerology, 48 is an auspicious number meaning “determined to prosper” or simply “prosperity.” We’ve all prospered in the material sense, but more importantly in terms of the great memories and friendships created through this whole steak night thing.  There was spirited discussion this evening, which we’ll get to later, but I was reminded again how lucky we are to have this monthly outing that has never derailed, regardless of how much life has changed for all of us over the years.

Bubbe and I arrived together to find Messrs. Cole and Conway saddled up to the bar, which is a really nice space compared to some of the other places we’ve been lately. Plenty of room with the rectangular bar and alternate seating on both sides, I was happy to see Steak 48 not going the way of other “out of towner” steakhouses trying to make it in this tough world of red meat.  (Cough Cough Del Friscos)  The restaurant had a good deal of patrons and a lively atmosphere.

Mason & Birthday boy Glick arrived, and expecting a late arrival by Jevon, we were whisked off to the great table in the sky, er second floor.  I don’t remember the second floor having this much character, but it was a very nice space, and we were greeted with the round table we all love which really helps engage the entire group in conversation.

Wine and apps were ordered. Penner Ash wine seemed apropos for the pedder ass Michael Jackson & R Kelly controversy that had arisen (again, & posthumously) lately.  What I’ll say about MJ is we already knew this guy was a complete creep.  I know we like to recycle news and find news ways to get mad these day, but come on.  None of this should make you feel any differently.  You should have hated Michael Jackson as a person for years.  And you’re still going to bop your head when Thriller comes on, and that’s okay.  And R Kelly?  Sorry man.  We went through this once already.  You’ll get no reasonable doubt from me.  You’re a scumbag.  And I won’t give your news the time of day.

But I digress.  Apps were a Shrimp, Calamari, Thai pepper mélange and shishito peppers.  Both excellent.  This time I ordered two of the shrimp so that Hans would allow the rest of us to have some. Both were more than respectable. We also got a couple of wedge salads for the table.

While apps were being served, some topics were brought up to vote, since we had quorum.

Issue #1 – Is veal steak, and should it be added to the allowable cuts of meat?  After some strong lobbying by Senators Conway and Glick, and some attempted filibustering by myself, it was brought to vote, and once again shot down.  You’d have an easier time passing a huge spending bill in a Republican controlled Congress than getting veal allowed on the menu here.

Issue #2 – Two part issue. Don brought up some proposed changes to posting, as in having to do it at all, and then the penalty for not posting or missing deadlines.   Again, after much spirited debate, we came to a vote. It was a fairly lopsided vote to keep the required posting and timelines.  I thought Mason had a well-crafted reason, and simply put, we are involved in a very unique thing here, and it’s one of the things that makes steak night different than your average dinner with friends.  The one thing that was clarified though, is that there is no rule for how long a post has to be.  If you want to stay in the Twitter 120 character limit world, then so be it.  It’s up to you as to what you think is appropriate.  That being said, it’s expected that the host provide enough detail in the original post to really document the night.

The second issue which was voted on and ratified was the penalty for not posting, or missing a deadline. The new rule states that if you’re guilty, you are responsible for the first bottle of wine that evening.  If there are multiple people, then each is responsible for a bottle of wine.  I’ll let the group chime in here if I missing anything, or have misstated the new rule. We thought this was a fairer penalty that kept in check the amount of 20 year old scotches someone would have to pay for.

On to the rest of the meal. I had a wonderfully seasoned and prepared bone-in ribeye.  It was very tender, and the perfect temperature.  I‘ve been ordering medium rare+ these days as it seems as though chefs are cooking them less and less.  They knew exactly what I was talking about when I asked for it.  And I have to remark again at how tender my steak was.  You could almost cut it with a spoon.

Sides were whipped mash, scalloped potatoes, a Crème Brulee corn, and creamed spinach.  I love all things potato, so hard me for to be objective here.  The Crème Brulee corn was a tad rich for me.  And I though the creamed spinach was an excellent blend of a classic preparation, brought into the 21^stcentury.

For dessert, we ordered a chocolate chip bread pudding, and caramel cake.  I’ve always said that Mastro’s butter cake is maybe the best dessert at any steakhouse we’ve been to.  But this caramel cake is the new king.  Since Steak 48 was born out of the Mastro’s disbanded family, they seemed to have taken the recipe with them and then stepped it up a notch. Fantastic.  They also brought some sort of chocolate bomb for the birthday boy.

There was a little talk about machine politics, with the Chicago mayoral race in full tilt, and then discussion about the terrible teachers union.  In summary, we like teachers, and we hate their management.

Steak Night has really been in a good groove lately, and I love the commitment we’ve seen from everyone. Don Cole is lapping Martin on most improved player this year.  While still early, Scotty has a lot of ground to make up.  It was a great night all around.  Good people, lively conversation, and a few cocktails at Snickers to end the night made for a great evening.  On to April, on to spring, and some much needed warmth and sunshine.

8/10

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