Steak Au Poivre Day

I don’t have much patience for people who are self-conscious about the act of eating, and it irritates me when someone denies themselves the pleasure of a bloody hunk of steak or a pungent French cheese because of some outdated nonsense about what’s appropriate or attractive.

Anthony Bourdain

Filet mignon is known as one of the most tender meats out there next to Kobe beef. Most people would simply eat it as it is and enjoy its soft, meaty texture. However, peppercorns add a dimension to filet mignon and that particular dish is called steak au poivre, and wouldn’t you know it that there is a holiday dedicated to this luxurious meal.

History of Steak Au Poivre Day

Steak Au Poivre is a French dish which translates to simply a peppered steak. It began in the 1960’s when peppering meals became a popular concept to work with. It was also the time period when French recipes were being introduced into American homes. However, the first mention of peppered meats was during the 18th century when cooks would pepper venison to offset the gaminess of the meat. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s that the peppered sauce, which is now most traditionally paired with the steak, was added to the recipe and named “Steak a la Diane,” referring to Diana, goddess of the hunt.

In today’s modern version of the recipe, the steak used is a filet mignon coated with cracked black peppercorns and cooked at a high heat. The peppercorns crust harmonizes the flavor of the filet mignon and added layers of texture that enhance the sweetness of the filet. The sauce itself is a peppered sauce made with heavy whipping cream, reduced cognac, and buttered peppercorns. This dish is primarily served in French restaurants, but can also be easily made at home. Today, it is a dish that has become a luxury, an experience for food connoisseurs to enjoy.

How to celebrate Steak Au Poivre Day

Try out your own recipe and create a fancy dish night for a romantic date, a family gathering, or just a night for yourself. You can use any recipe that you find online and without realizing it, you’ll be able to impress your guest without much work at all. If you don’t want to cook and have the money, go out to a fancy restaurant and try a nicely cooked and freshly peppered filet mignon. If you love this meal idea, then share this holiday on your favorite social media websites using the hashtag #steakaupoivreday and let everyone know how delicious this dish is.