It’s a bright and warm Sunday morning, and as I jog along the park's walking trail, my mind is busy with thoughts of mouth-watering sizzling steak on the grill. They say that, “Exercise helps reduce food cravings,” but that doesn’t work for me. The more I exercise, the more it triggers my appetite and the sheer thought of marvelous succulent, savory steak fueled my cravings.
Sundays always give me the blues as it brings back memories of my dear Grandma who cooks the best Salisbury steak that were so good- to- the- last- bite. I grew up pigging out on her old-fashioned steak served with mashed potatoes, mushroom and onion gravy – my favorite during weekend meals and family gatherings. Ever since I was young, my family’s routine is to gather at Grandma’s house every Sunday for a home-cooked weekend meal. The moment I stepped into Grandma’s kitchen, I could smell the exotic blend of spices, seasonings and the aroma of onion gravy. I could hear the steak sizzling on the pan and the rapid beatings of my heart brought about by my excitement. And when Grandma shouts up, “Lunch is ready,” I can’t wait to be the first to run down with a heaping plate of that buttery-soft fillet steak, mashed potatoes and a melee of vegetables. I would quickly gobble a mouthful of that tender juicy fillet and it feels like heaven as it slowly erodes in my mouth. Mom would cast a warning look reminding me to eat slowly.
“You don’t have to rush, Kiddo. Chew your food well or else you’ll get choked,” she would chide.
And as soon as I finished devouring every crumb and morsel on my plate, I would always go back for another plateful. And Grandma – the great spoiler that she is, would happily load up another serving for me.
“Here darling, have some more,” she would proudly back me up.
And Dad would look at me dubiously shaking his head, “You sure you’re going to eat all of that, Buddy?”
“Absolutely, Dad,” I would snap back.
I love steak. I love it in every way it’s done – rare, medium to rare, medium to well done and well done. I’m crazy over that luscious fillet, sirloin, rib-eye or rump drenched in sour cream, onions, mushroom and steak sauce with good old chips, pepper and green salad. For me, that brownish chunk of meat with perfect criss-cross grill marks on it is a masterpiece. My fondness of steak can never be replaced with any health-boosting green salads or leafy vegetables. Run for cover vegetarians!
We once dined at a nearby Outback Steakhouse to celebrate Dad’s birthday. When the waiter asked, “How would you like your steak done?”
I quickly replied, “I’ll take mine medium-rare, please”
And for you sir?” the waiter turned to Dad.
“I’d like mine well done,” answered Dad.
“I’ll have the same,” Mom butted in.
My two brothers settled for medium-rare too and while waiting for our orders, thoughts of succulent steak were racing through my head. My mouth watered from the smell of different seasonings, herbs and spices which prompted my stomach to grumble. My eyes gleamed at the sight of every sizzling steak served on nearby tables. When our food finally arrived, my heart screamed with joy at the sight of that delectable pinkish medium-rare sirloin served with seasonal vegetables, chips and potatoes.
“This looks great,” Dad said grinning at his plate.
“Undoubtedly,” I echoed while crushing a piece of the soft, spongy and springy delightful meat between my teeth as a taste of bloody, beefy steak juice trickled from my mouth.
“Oh, how glorious!” I exclaimed while chewing and licking the corners of my mouth with my tongue.
“Stop it!” Mom said in a low voice. “Chew with your mouth closed. That smacking sound is driving me crazy,” she continued annoyingly.
“And use a table napkin, not your tongue,” Dad mumbled.
“Whatever!” I murmured, hating the distraction.
They say that the type of steak people prefers has something to do with their persona. People who prefers fillet is kind-hearted and a perfectionist while those who prefer T-Bones are highly confident, loves outdoor life and the wilderness. Likewise, people who prefer loins are passionate and practical while those who prefer rib eyes are more relaxed and have a happy-go-lucky outlook. I think I belong to the latter category. I’m a laid-back type of guy who doesn’t worry much about things. It’s not that I’m indifferent. It’s just that I don’t fuss over things and prefer to get things done my own way. Mom used to think that I’m a lazy person. She once suggested to me, “Why not get a job or something to earn extra cash so you can help me with the bills?”
“Mom, I hate to do interviews and working with other people,” I explained.
“Enough of your alibis. You’re just being too lazy,” she grumbled.
I’m not lazy. The truth is, I’m a very active person. I have lots of energy and loves physical activities like sports. I’m a big time sports fan of Miami Heat, Miami Marlins and Miami Dolphins. Among major sports, baseball is my favorite. I have been a baseball fan since I was young. I used to go to the ball park with my Dad, watch the games on TV and collect baseball posters until I finally join baseball leagues. I spent my four years in high school playing baseball where I won a State Championship in my Freshman year. One thing I love most about baseball is the tension that builds up from the match between the pitcher and the batter. Each pitch is a thrilling anticipation of what’s to come – a strike, a foul, a hit or a home run? It’s a frenzy that sends my adrenaline rushing. I love baseball just as I love steak. My Dad who is a health buff and a fitness junkie would sometimes denounce my excessive taste for red meat.
“Eating red meat is good, but too much of it can be harmful to your health,” he would warn.
“Not for me, Dad. I simply can’t live without it,” I would reason out. An athletic person like me needs to be properly fuelled to be strong. Protein helps me build muscle mass and sturdy bones. Steak makes me feel big and strong like what spinach does to Popeye, The Sailor Man. Seriously!
Life is totally different now that I’m in college. I’ve been living on my own and away from my family. I can’t help feeling sad during weekends knowing that I can’t make it home for Sunday lunch at Grandma’s. Going to college is tough. I remember the look on Mom's face when I left home for the first time to go to university.
“I am going to miss you terribly, Sonny. Please be good,” she said happily despite a hint of sadness in her eyes.
“I’m proud of you, Buddy. You’re a man now. Go and explore the world,” Dad said giving me a pat on the back.
Having used to a carefree life, the transition to college was difficult for me. My first few weeks in the university were miserable leaving me feeling completely lost and alone. I wanted to pack my bags and head back home. Since then, I’ve been coping with all the academic pressure– projects to complete, thesis to write and other social engagements. The never-ending stress was quite overwhelming except for community and social engagements which I enjoy most. I love helping people out and making them feel better and volunteering gives me the opportunity to realize this interest. I once volunteered to help organize a wheelchair basketball team for disabled persons. Having spent time with them allowed me to understand people with disabilities and the problems they are dealing. It made me realize how lucky I am to be physically healthy. I also love playing with little kids so I volunteered to help give away food and clothing to the poor and homeless children at the orphanage. I had fun playing chasing and rough-and-tumble games with them, making me feel like a child again. Besides earning a good amount of community service hours, these activities enabled me to establish many lasting friendships that I will forever cherish, the same way that I’ve cherished such delicious tender juicy steak.
Works Cited:
Kessler, J., 2013. What Your Steak Really Says About You. Food Republic. Retrieved from
http://www.foodrepublic.com/2013/01/23/what-your-steak-really-says-about-you/
Drummond, R., 2012. Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Peas. The Pioneer Woman. Retrieved from
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/salisbury-steak-mashed-potatoes-and-peas/
Klein, S., 2016. Why I Love Baseball. The Sports Ethicist. Retrieved from
https://sportsethicist.com/2016/08/04/why-i-love-baseball/
