Author: alien

Here’s Why Scallops Are Not Only Good, But Also Healthy

fried scallop

Among the many culinary treasures that seafood presents, one of the most delightful offerings is scallops. Best described as sweet and buttery, scallops also have a distinct but subtle briny flavor – reflecting the scent of ocean water. In fact, the brininess is a prime indicator of freshly caught and cooked scallops.

There’s no doubt that scallops are simply delicious, but that’s not the only good reason to enjoy fresh scallops. Did you know that they are also packed with amazing nutrients? There are a lot of health benefits to eating scallops, and we’re here to highlight a few.

What Makes Scallop a Healthy Delicacy?

The main health benefits of scallops lie in their nutritional value. As per the U.S Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of scallops, when steamed or boiled, contains the following nutrients:

Calories: 137 kcal

Scallops have a moderate calorie count. In addition, due to their rich flavor, scallops are best enjoyed in small portions. So you can include a little salmon in your diet now and then without worrying about your calorie intake.

Protein: 24g

Like most shellfish, scallops are also rich in protein, making them the perfect option for people seeking to gain a healthy weight and increase muscle mass. The protein in scallops also includes trace amounts of taurine, and the fact that they are low in calories but high in protein means that they can be a great addition to your weight-loss diet.

baked salmon

Vitamin B12

Omega-3 fatty acids: 205 mg

Scallops are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. They improve cardiac health, preventing strokes and heart attacks, maintaining blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol levels. Overall, they can help to reduce the possibility of cardiac problems.

Vitamin B12: 2.53 µg

Vitamin B12 is essential for brain development, nerve cells, and the regular production of RBCs. The daily requirement of vitamin B12 for adults is 1.5 µg daily, and 100g of scallops alone provides way more than that amount. So if you want to increase your vitamin B12 intake, it’s about time you include scallops into your diet.

Minerals

Scallops contain substantial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, and zinc. They are all important minerals that play key roles in our bodily functions.

Calcium promotes healthy bones and joints.

Magnesium is a multipurpose nutrient that improves muscular as well as cardiac health.

Iron is needed for the formation of RBCs.

scallops

man with healthy back

Potassium is crucial to maintaining nerve functions and muscular contractions, especially the cardiac muscles regulating heartbeat.

Phosphorus helps in the proper growth of bones and teeth.

Selenium is an important part of different proteins and enzymes used in DNA formation, and some protect the cells and prevent infections.

Copper also has multiple functions, such as energy production, iron metabolism, brain, and nervous system development, and boosting the body’s immune system.

Zinc is also important for the immune system and improves healing and cellular regeneration.

Among all these minerals, phosphorus and potassium are found in larger quantities in scallops. All in all, scallops are packed with all these precious minerals, offering multiple health benefits.

Low fat

Scallops are not just low in calories and cholesterol, but also low in most unhealthy saturated fats, so they’re great for weight management. Whether you’re looking to gain or lose weight, scallops can be an excellent part of your regular diet.

Having said that, you should also factor in the cooking method for salmon. For example, searing salmons in butter will increase the fat percentage of the dish. It’s much healthier to prepare boiled or steamed salmon. Even if fried or seared, it should be done in low quantities of oil or butter.

Fried scallops with sesame seeds

grilled fresh scallop

Considering all these benefits, it’s amazing to realize that scallops are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a super healthy, nutrient-packed meal.

On the one hand, you get to enjoy the smooth, creamy, briny flavor of scallops which is an absolute delight. And on the other hand, even your body benefits from all the nutrition. It’s truly a remarkable combination of taste and health.

At PRIME Steak & Seafood, you can experience the delicacy of fresh salmon, prepared to perfection by our expert chefs. We ensure that the salmon retains its natural flavor while being complemented by additional elements so that you can enjoy the best seafood dining. Whether it’s scallops that you’re craving or some of the best premium steaks in McAllen, PRIME is the place where you can find it all to your heart’s desire. Drop by our restaurant for a fine dining experience, or contact us for more information.

What Makes Beef Wellington So Special?

beef wellington 1

We all love a tender, juicy steak, don’t we? It is, after all, one of the most celebrated dishes in Texas and the US.

But what if you can make your steak ten folds more delicious? Take the most tender cut of beef – the aptly named tenderloin, coat it with a mixture of creamy pâté and duxelles, wrap it all up with puff pastry, and then bake it to perfection. Voila! You are now looking at a work of art – the beef wellington!

This extraordinary delicacy may have its origins rooted in England, but it has also made its way to the hearts of Americans. Whether you’ve tried it or not, we’re pretty sure you’ve heard people rave about this dish. And they’re not wrong. Even world-class chef Gordon Ramsay has stated that it’s one of his “all-time favorite main courses,” as he calls it the “ultimate indulgence.”

So you may wonder – what makes beef wellington so special? Well, hear it from our talented chefs and culinary experts at PRIME as we break down the reasons that make beef wellington an absolute meaty delight!

Beef Wellington is a Beautiful Union of Textures and Flavors

At the heart of the beef wellington lies the tenderloin, lightly seared on the outside, succulent and juicy on the inside.

The beef is then coated with a mixture of pâté and duxelles. Pâté is a paste-like mixture of ground meat that can be made from chicken or goose liver (pâté de foie gras), liverwurst, pork, beef, or fish, accompanied by different herbs, spices, and butter. Pork fat can also be added to it for some extra juiciness. Its texture is slightly grainy and crunchy and has a wonderful creamy flavor.

Duxelles is prepared from chopped or minced mushrooms sauteed in butter with onions, shallots, and an assortment of herbs, slow cooked until it turns into a thick paste. The mild flavor of mushrooms is beautifully complimented by the richness of butter, onions, and herbs.

Then comes the final layer of puff pastry, slightly crispy on the outside, smooth, buttery flavor with a flaky texture.

All these ingredients unite together to create an explosion of flavors in your mouth, leaving you amazed as you relish every bite.

It is a True Testament of a Chef’s Culinary Skills

Beef wellington is not an easy dish to prepare with perfection. For starters, getting the tenderloin steak right is a challenge in itself. It has to be tender on the inside but decently firm on the outside, so it doesn’t get mushed inside. The pâté and the duxelles are like preparing two individual dishes themselves.

And once it’s all wrapped up in the pastry, the final hurdle is to bake it at the right temperature. The pastry has to be slightly crusty, soft, and flaky on the inside. All the while, one must be alert not to let the beef overcook inside.

With all these variables to consider, making the perfect beef wellington is tough. Extremely rewarding when you enjoy the final product but difficult to make nonetheless.

So when you order a beef wellington, you’re not just ordering any dish. A lot of technique and dedication goes into its preparation, and when it finally arrives at your table, what you’re looking at is more than just food. It’s a testament to the chef’s culinary skills.

It Consistently Combines Multiple Ingredients

Think about all the ingredients used in the preparation of beef wellington.

Tenderloin, ground meat for pâté, mushrooms, onions, shallots, herbs, butter, and pastry are just the essential ingredients. Different cooks have their variations where they may add some additional items. For example, it’s quite common to wrap the pâté and duxelles coated steak with parma ham to retain the meat’s inner moisture.

What’s more striking is that all these ingredients combine in every slice and bite of beef wellington. It’s not the same as serving a steak with mushrooms and veggies on the side. When you dive into beef wellington, you’re tasting all these ingredients and the unison of their flavors all at once – a magnificent dining experience in all rights!

If you’re ready to indulge in the wonder of beef wellington, we have you covered. We’ll entertain your taste buds with one of the best and most awesome need wellington that you can find in McAllen. Made with premium quality need tenderloin and cooked at absolute perfection, our classic beef wellington recipe will leave you wanting more. Visit us and see why beef wellington is so special as everyone claims it to be.

Food Pairings: When Meat Meets Coffee

Cup of coffee with meat

Whether it’s PB & J or it’s wine and cheese, food just seems to taste better in pairs. As any foodie knows, combining different foods that share the same flavor components can result in new and unexpected combinations. The next time you go to a restaurant and want to make the most of the experience, consider pairing your meal with another complimentary taste.

Food pairing has been around for as long as we’ve known. We even practice it on our own, without paying much attention to what we are doing – like adding biscuits to meals or honey to tea. However, it does not stop with the food you are eating, but also includes the beverage you have with your meal.

Where does food pairing come from?

We are all acquainted with which wine to have with what meal, but have you ever considered pairing your coffee with your meal? Yes! Pairing coffee with your meal could provide the ultimate culinary experience.

Coffee has always been paired with chocolates or a delectable piece of cake. But what about pairing food with a savory taste like meat? Pairing meat with coffee will not only enhance the flavors, but also influences your energy – hence the origin of coffee. It also determines how soon you feel hungry again.

Group of coffee cups with liquid and coffee grains

Croissant alongside cup of coffee

How coffee brings out the flavor in your food

Have you ever thought twice about that last cup of coffee you have after a good meal? Now, we learn that coffee can be paired with food to enhance the flavor of the food. Depending on the roast, coffee can take on a different personality when paired with different foods.

  • Blonde roast: One that is roasted very lightly – goes well with anything buttery and sweet, like croissants and avocado.
  • Medium roast: Because it has more body, it typically pairs better with a salad, cheese, or something savory.
  • Dark roast: This type of strong coffee, like an espresso, pairs well with beef and a brioche bun made with an enriched dough and a little sweeter, rich taste.

The food you choose to have with your coffee will bring out the characteristic of the coffee, how it was roasted, and how it augments the taste of the food. The coffee then ties together the taste of the food prepared.

Getting to know your coffee

The factors that impact the quality and flavor of coffee include everything from the variety of the plant, the weather, soil, rainfall, and sunshine, and even the altitude at which the coffee grows. Then the harvesting, processing, and roasting of the berries contribute significantly to the final aroma, quality, and taste.

The roasting of coffee beans plays a role in the flavor retained in the coffee. Light roast coffees retain more natural, unique qualities of the beans. This results in fruity, floral, or even acidic undertones. The medium roasts are obviously darker than the light roasts and tend to have more caramel, honey-like, or vanilla flavors. Dark roast coffee beans lose most of their original characteristics, but hold a rich sweet flavor and strong aroma. They are the most bitter and often have nutty, spiced, or chocolate undertones.

A group of five different coffee roasts

Salad besides cup of coffee

Create your own pairing

If you’re craving a cup of coffee, you might be wondering where to start to get the best possible gastronomic experience. This is quite simple. Start with your own palate. If a combination of food and coffee tastes good to you, that is all that matters! With such a variety of coffee flavors, it will take a lifetime of sampling different coffee roasts and blends with the best food, but you can probably find the perfect coffee for nearly any dish. The coffee flavor wheel could help you find the right coffee for each dish.

Try PRIME’s Savory Food and Delicious Coffee Combinations

So, whenever you’re ready to grab a cuppa joe, PRIME Steak & Seafood has the perfect succulent meat dish to go with it.

If you’re more into lean meats, try our delectable chicken breast with prosciutto and spinach along with a light roast.

Of course, there is no right or wrong way to pair your food, so you could also just explore our menu to choose your favorite pair.

Inside PRIME Steak House

How To Organize the Perfect Private Dining Event

5 Steps for Organizing the Perfect Private Dining Event

Private dining offers the perfect solution for many events. Beautiful dining rooms, exquisite food, plentiful seating, and the opportunity to customize your event according to your wishes all make private dining a popular option for everything from weddings to retirement parties. If you are ready to arrange a private dining event for yourself, here are some insights into how to make it just right.

Know which events to enjoy with private dining.

Private dining is ideal for any event that requires a beautiful, exclusive space and delicious food. Whether looking for space for an intimate few, or space for a large crowd, private dining can offer a luxurious and tasty solution. Consider it for any of the following events:

  • Wedding receptions
  • Corporate dinners
  • Engagement parties
  • Milestone birthdays
  • Graduation parties
  • Board meetings
  • Anniversary celebrations
  • Fundraisers
  • Awards ceremonies
  • Retirement celebrations
  • Going away parties
  • Holiday parties
  • And more

Settle on a theme for your event.

A theme will help to guide the way you decorate your space and customize your menu for your special event. Your options are almost limitless, but there are some popular themes that you may want to consider, especially as it pertains to the dishes you choose for your private dining menu.

  • Black tie event with plated, upscale meals
  • Farmhouse theme with informal, family-style service
  • Cocktail party with appetizers and drinks
  • Professional wine pairings that can involve whole meals or just appetizers and wine
  • Pop culture themes with a relevant menu
  • Holiday parties with related foods and drinks

Based out of a historic Spanish-style home, this “mansion with a mission” now encompasses 20 acres of protected property that houses a diverse array of birds and wildlife.

Find the right private dining space.

There may be a number of private dining options within the RGV, but they will not all be right for your special event. Before settling on the first (or cheapest) space, take the time to explore how each space fits with your event needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Space

The right private dining space will accommodate your guest list without feeling too big or too small. Whether putting together an intimate group of 10 or a large group of 70, you need to choose a place that can offer a comfortable, beautiful area that is just the right size.

In addition, consider the privacy the space provides. Is it private or semi-private? Does some openness work or do you need a room that is completely closed off? Choose a space that is as private as you need.

Ambiance

Is the dining space beautifully set and elegantly appointed? Can you decorate it the way you desire according to your tastes and theme? The right space will create a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere that communicates the importance of your event to every person who enters.

Location

Is the private dining space centrally located for you and your guests? You want everyone to be able to easily and conveniently make their way to your special event.

Technology

Board meetings, presentations, videos, and other important elements of an event may require certain A/V capabilities. Make sure your chosen space has the technological ability to meet your event needs.

Before committing to a space, you may also want to visit the place in person to get a firsthand look at the facilities and to meet face-to-face with the event staff.

Choose your private dining menu.

The right private dining space will make it easy to customize the menu for your special day. Once you choose your guest list, theme, and location, you can meet with the restaurant to craft a menu that fits with your event.

When selecting the menu consider the event, the theme, your preferences, and your budget. A casual buffet may work for some events, while a plated menu may work better for others. Steak and seafood may be preferable, or appetizers may work best.

Make sure that any menu you create has the following features:

  • Options for varying tastes
  • Consideration of dietary restrictions
  • Vegetarian options
  • Drinks to complement the food
  • A mouth-watering dessert

Plan the decorations for your space.

Once you settle on the space, theme, and menu, you can turn your attention to the decorations. The space you choose may do the decorating for you, or you may need to come in early to add the touches you want. Make sure you know what parts of decorating are your responsibility and which are the event space’s. Then turn your space into a beautiful welcoming, and themed place for a successful get together.

A private dining event should be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Here at PRIME, we offer beautiful spaces for intimate gatherings and get-togethers of dozens. With a mouth-watering, and customizable menu, private event planner, and state-of-the-art capabilities right in McAllen, we can help you create the perfect private event. Contact us today to learn more!

7 Things You Must Know About Lobster Thermidor

Lobster thermidor served

Among lobster dishes, lobster thermidor stands out for its rich, savory, and indulgent flavor. Created in 1800s France, this succulent dish is still a popular meal thanks to its incredible flavor and beautiful presentation. If you are thinking about trying it on your next visit to Prime Steak & Seafood, read on to learn more about this fascinating dish.

What is lobster thermidor?

Lobster thermidor consists of cooked, diced lobster meat served in a heavy cream or béchamel sauce with white wine. This sauce can also include ingredients such as mushrooms, lobster stock, Dijon mustard, shallots, and cheese.

Once the lobster meat and sauce are combined, the rich filling is spooned into an empty lobster tail, where it is topped with Gruyère or Parmesan cheese and broiled. The result is a beautiful dish with a crispy brown exterior.

Lobster Thermidor

lobster thermidor 1

What does lobster thermidor taste like?

Lobster thermidor is a taste experience unlike any other lobster dish you have had before. The flavors of the lobster are powerful and clear in this dish, but it is accented by the creaminess of the sauce and the dryness of the white wine. Additional ingredients add depth to the flavor profile, creating nuttiness, richness, and warmth to every bite.

Where did lobster thermidor get its name?

The origins of lobster thermidor are a little murky. The dish may have been created for Napoleon Bonaparte, who named it after the month of Thermidor, between July 19 and August 17, when the dish was served to him. Or, the dish was created by a restaurant named Chez Marie and named in honor of a short-lived and controversial play about the French Revolution. Either way, this dish has deeply French origins and a name that is synonymous with succulent, mouth-watering flavors.

Lobster thermidor 3

Lobster thermidor 4

What is the difference between lobster and lobster thermidor?

Lobster is a succulent and popular seafood dish, but lobster thermidor takes it to another level. This dish uses lobster meat but enhances it with a creamy sauce, white wine, and other exciting flavors. As a result, lobster thermidor boasts a complex, multi-layer flavor profile that brings out the very best in the lobster and in the other ingredients that go into this dish.

What goes with lobster thermidor?

The richness of lobster thermidor pairs well with light vegetable sides that are lightly seasoned so as not to detract from the powerful flavors of the lobster thermidor. The brighter, the better because the contrasting colors on the plate can create an appealing look to go along with this dish’s irresistible flavor.

Try broccoli, carrots, green beans, or a simple salad. Alternatively, you can add a starchy side, such as macaroni and cheese or risotto. Here at PRIME, we serve our lobster thermidor with a beautiful vegetable of the day and a delicious lobster risotto to complement the flavors of the lobster thermidor.

Lobster thermidor 5

lobster thermidor 6

Why is lobster thermidor so expensive?

Lobster is usually one of the more expensive dishes on any menu, and lobster thermidor can cost even more. There are two reasons for the cost of this delicious dish: The lobster and the preparation.

Lobster is a delicacy. Gradually becoming more difficult to source, and always in high demand, this seafood has progressed from being considered an inexpensive meal for the poor to being a pricey meal for a special night out.

In addition, lobster thermidor requires some time to prepare. From cooking the lobster to creating the sauce and finishing the dish, it is a time-consuming (Though rewarding!) dish to craft.

Both of these facts work together to make lobster thermidor one of the higher-priced menu items, but the cost will be well paid back with the excellence of the dining experience.

Why do people like eating lobster thermidor?

Lobster is popular due primarily to its light, fresh flavor. Lighter than the flavors of other seafood, such as crab, it appeals to a wider array of taste buds. Add in the cream sauce and white wine of lobster thermidor, and you have a meal that will tantalize even the pickiest mouths.

If you are looking for lobster in McAllen, try the lobster thermidor at PRIME Steak & Seafood. Prepared from the freshest catches of lobster by our talented chefs, this dish has all of the beautiful flavor and elegant presentation you could desire for an unforgettable meal away from home.

PRIME location, exterior view

7 Best Cocktails for a Steak Dinner

Bartender fixing cocktail and wearing black leather gloves

Red wine is the undisputed classic steak + beverage pairing. Red wine’s dry tannins counteract the fatty richness of the steak for a satisfying and balanced taste experience. But, red wine isn’t the ONLY perfect pairing for your steak. If you want to get a little more creative and a little more flavorful, try adding a cocktail to your next steak dinner. Here at PRIME, our expert bartenders can mix up a wide selection of cocktail creations to add a little bit of pizzazz to your plate. Here is a look at 7 of our favorite recommendations for cocktails with steak.

Old Fashioned

First crafted in the 1800s for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, the Old Fashioned is aptly named. But don’t let its name fool you into thinking this cocktail belongs in the past. Crafted with bourbon (or brandy), sugar, Angostura bitters, and orange peel, this classic drink delivers a depth of flavor that matches the richness of the steak.

At the same time, the sweetness of the bourbon and the citrus touch of the orange peel provide a counterpoint that is both refreshing and complementary. Looking for a spicier punch to your cocktail? Try swapping in a rye whiskey instead of the bourbon. For the best combination of flavors, pair an Old Fashioned with a nicely marbled cut of steak. The 2F Akaushi beef here at PRIME is decadently ideal for this purpose, especially our succulent rib eye.

Manhattan

Another classic cocktail first crafted in the 1800s, the Manhattan is renowned for its multi-layered flavors that mix a hint of sweetness with bitters and herbal undertones. This is not a sweet drink, but when paired with a succulent cut of very rich steak, like our bone-in filet or New York bone-in cuts, it delivers an appealing contrast that creates a perfect pairing.

Made from rye whiskey, Angostura bitters, and sweet vermouth, this drink is often garnished with a cherry for an added pop of color and flavor. Despite its simplicity, this is a powerful drink well-prepared to take on the rich flavors of steak and add its own contrasting notes for an unforgettable taste experience.

Bloody Mary

If you enjoy a little spice in your drink, consider adding a Bloody Mary to your next steak dinner at Prime. This classic cocktail is made with vodka, tomato juice, and a variety of spices, from Worcestershire sauce to garlic, horseradish to lime and lemon juice. To add a kick to this drink, you can also add a bit of Tabasco sauce.

A Bloody Mary pairs well with steak because the bright flavors mesh pleasingly with the savory beef. Just be wary of adding too much kick to your Bloody Mary. Your cocktail should provide a pleasing cleansing for your palate in between bites of your meal so you can fully enjoy the depth of flavor in your perfectly prepared cut of beef.

Mojito

A bright and fun summer drink, the mojito presents a flavor profile that is a perfect contrast to the steak’s depth of flavor. While there are multiple variations of the mojito, this drink is traditionally prepared with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. These bright, sweet flavors soften the crisp bit of the rum.

The sweetness and brightness of the rum also pairs well with steak, like our Cowboy Prime or Porterhouse cuts. Sample a mojito with your steak dinner to enjoy a palate cleanser that readies you to fully savor every bit of professionally prepared and high-quality steak.

Sidecar

Whiskey and brandy are ideal matches for steak, but they aren’t the only liquors you can use to create a cocktail for steak. Cognac delivers a similar smell and flavor to whiskey and brandy, but possesses an elevated flavor profile that includes sweetness, spiciness, and fruitiness.

Cognac appears alongside orange liqueur and lemon juice in the classic sidecar. This sour cocktail balances tartness and sweetness, fruitiness and dryness. Pair this cocktail with almost any cut of steak, but you may enjoy it most with a leaner choice.

Dry Martini

If you want a martini with your steak, feel free to choose shaken or stirred, but make sure it is dry. This cocktail is made from just two ingredients: Gin and vermouth. It goes perfectly with steak because the simplicity of the drink and its dry, sharp flavors cleanse the palate and showcase the deep richness of your steak dinner.

If you add olive brine to create a dirty martini, you may find that the saltiness is too overpowering with your steak. Stick to a dry martini to enjoy the full flavors of both your cocktail and your steak dinner.

Whiskey Sour

A final way to pair the flavors of whiskey with the succulence of steak is to choose a whiskey sour for your steak dinner. This drink is made from whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes an egg white (For a Boston sour). This cocktail delivers a rich blend of flavors, including a brightness that pairs well with rich steak.

Cocktails are a great way to elevate an already incredible steak dinner with a variety of flavors that mesh well with steak. The next time you stop by PRIME, try any of our decadent cuts of steak and request one of these 7 cocktails to enjoy the most unforgettable steakhouse meal in the Valley.

Top Steakhouses In The Rio Grande Valley

Top Steakhouses In The Rio Grande Valley

A remarkable steak can be the harbinger of a remarkable event, whether you are celebrating an achievement, marking an anniversary, or impressing an important date. As a savory, melt-in-your-mouth experience, steakhouse dining should never be ordinary. That is why we have put together this list of top steakhouses in the Rio Grande Valley, where you can indulge in the very finest steak and seafood meals in all of South Texas.

PRIME Steak & Seafood

PRIME Steak & Seafood in McAllen doesn’t just prepare food. Its skilled chefs craft a dining experience defined by excellence. The steakhouse’s perfectly prepared dishes star 2F Akaushi beef and the freshest seafood in the Valley, all prepared on industry-leading Josper charcoal ovens. Paired with an array of expertly mixed cocktails, craft beers, and an elegantly-appointed dining room, Prime offers dining that is a cut above. Customers can even choose private dining or bar seating: Wherever they dine, they enjoy food prepared with passion, quality, and creativity.

PRIME location, exterior view

Santa Fe Steakhouse and Cantina

With almost 20 awards to its name, including recognition from top dining and wine publications, the Santa Fe Steakhouse and Cantina in McAllen prides itself on its extraordinary collection of more than 600 wines and its flawless steak and seafood dishes. Many of its steaks come from coveted Wagyu beef, while each dish is complemented by creative, organic, and fresh ingredients. With an extraordinary outdoor patio called the Great Escape and thoughtful details in both its dining areas and menus, Santa Fe Steakhouse and Cantina is an RGV steakhouse leader.

The Patio On Guerra

The Patio on Guerra is a popular fine dining location in downtown McAllen. Infused with the more than 100-year old history of its founding family, the Guerras, this restaurant sits in a refurbished century-old building that retains its vintage charm and its romantic appeal. You can find tender USDA prime steaks here, along with a variety of chicken and seafood meals, all expertly prepared and appealingly presented. The result is a location that charms in appearance and delights in taste, making it one of the top steakhouses in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Patio on Guerra

Saltgrass Steakhouse

Saltgrass Steakhouse

The Saltgrass Steakhouse has locations throughout the United States, including a location in McAllen. While scattered throughout the country, this steakhouse regularly receives strong reviews from customers who are impressed with its stellar customer service and thoughtfully prepared steak and seafood dishes.

The large menu includes a variety of strip and porterhouse steaks, as well as shrimp, salmon, and redfish dishes. Known for its Angus beef steaks, and for its unique 7-spice blend, this space also offers banquet rooms, a customizable menu, and more. As one of the top steakhouses in the RGV, Saltgrass provides a dining experience that surpasses that of most chain restaurants.

Logan’s Roadhouse

For a more casual steakhouse experience, you may want to try Logan’s Roadhouse in McAllen. This restaurant’s steaks are wood-grilled for a smoky flavor, and its ribs are tender enough to fall off the bone. You can also find some more homestyle meals, such as pork chops, meatloaf, and and chopped steak. Logan Roadhouse also makes to-go meals, family meals, and a large kids’ menu, and even a butcher shop where you can select from a variety of steaks and pork chops.

Logan’s Roadhouse

La Pampa

An Argentine steakhouse in Brownsville, La Pampa is a well-respected location for unique steakhouse dining. While known for expensive dishes, La Pampa is also known for its tender sirloin and tenderloin meals and its Argentinian twist on all of its dishes. If you need a flavor-packed steak that is unlike any you can find in a more traditional steakhouse, La Pampa may be just what you are looking for.

Texas de Brazil

La Pampa gives you a delectable taste of Argentina, and Texas de Brazil gives your steakhouse experience a decidedly Brazilian feel. Texas de Brazil prides itself on the quality of its Brazilian churrasco (skirt steak) cooking and its commitment to Texas hospitality. This steakhouse brings a one-of-a-kind experience to Texas: Brazilian-style rodizio dining that features endless dishes of succulent meat, as well as salads from a huge salad bar. This is an exciting way to spice up your next steakhouse meal.

Texas de Brazil

The RGV, and McAllen in particular, are rich in decadent steakhouse choices. Indulge in your desire for savory steak and falling apart cuts of beef. You will not regret trying any of these incredible steakhouse choices.

Best Romantic Things To Do In McAllen For Couples

Couple having romantic dinner in fancy restaurant

Valentine’s Day is coming, and that means it is time to turn up the romance and plan an unforgettable date for you and your partner. Do not make the mistake of settling for your average dinner and a movie. McAllen is home to some heart-stoppingly romantic things to do for couples, and we have compiled a list. Check out some of these romantic ideas and then start planning to wow your date, on the 14th, or any day of the year.

Reserve seats at the McAllen Performing Arts Center

With 1,800 seats, a stage as big as 20 Olympic-sized pools, and stunning contemporary architecture, the McAllen Performing Arts Center is visually breathtaking – And that’s before you sit down to enjoy the renowned performances that occur on its stage.

Take your date to enjoy concerts, ballet performances, performing arts shows, and more, all within an environment that will express the magnitude of your love even when your words fail you. Upcoming events include the following:

  • The Simon & Garfunkel Story
  • Swan Lake by the Russian Ballet Theatre
  • An Officer and a Gentleman: The Musical
  • And more!

The best news? This venue hosts shows all year long, so you can celebrate your love whenever you want.

Tour the Quinta Mazatlan

If performing arts are not your thing, try celebrating your love by exploring the beauties of the natural world at Quinta Mazatlan. This beautiful sanctuary in McAllen is an internationally-renowned park devoted to education and celebration of all things wildlife.

Based out of a historic Spanish-style home, this “mansion with a mission” now encompasses 20 acres of protected property that houses a diverse array of birds and wildlife.

Want a romantic tour of this beautiful home and property? Try the Songbird Tour and catch a glimpse of some of the 250 species of birds that reside here. Enjoy the Historic Tour of the home, or wander hand-in-hand through the property’s stunning natural habitats.

Enjoy the McAllen Nature Center

Surround yourself with even more nature at the McAllen Nature Center. Designed for numerous relaxing, and romantic, activities, this is the perfect place to enjoy time with your loved one in the midst of some of the area’s most beautiful surroundings. Need ideas? Try any of these adventures in the center:

  • Watch the wildlife
  • Take a walk together
  • Enjoy a picnic
  • Take nature photography

Away from the digital demands of the world, surrounded by the quiet of nature and the beauty of birdsong, your romance can deepen and your Valentine’s Day can become truly memorable.

Visit the Trapped RGV Escape Room

If you want to spend some quality time with your date this Valentine’s Day, consider an escape room. The Trapped RGV Escape Room, for example, offers 1-hour escape challenges with different themes.

This is the perfect opportunity to put your heads together, practice your teamwork, and solve some fun puzzles together to get out of the room before your time is up. An escape room is especially appealing if you want a way to interact and get to know each other better.

Not your traditional idea of a date night? Give it a try anyway. You could very well find escape rooms to be a favorite date night moving forward.

Visit the spa

If you really want something romantic to do in McAllen for couples this Valentine’s Day, consider  hitting the spa together. There are many couples’ massages available in the McAllen area, where you can both enjoy an hour of pampering. Or, choose other relaxing activities, from getting nails done to enjoying a facial. Spoiling your loved one is a sure way to make them feel loved this Valentine’s Day.

Enjoy A Mouth-Watering Meal at Prime

Of course, food is a central part of any successful couples activity in McAllen, and there is no place better to get it than at Prime Steak & Seafood. Our luxuriously appointed dining room delivers a romantic ambiance perfect for a delicious couples dinner. Enjoy tender 2F Akaushi beef and the freshest seafood, prepared by our skilled chefs for dining that is a cut above. Our perfectly prepared steak and seafood dishes deliver an unforgettable dining experience, and our mouth-watering beverages perfectly complement your meal.

Ready to choose some romantic things to do in McAllen for couples this Valentine’s Day? Select anything from our list, but do not forget to pair your adventures with an unforgettable meal at Prime. Reserve your table today!

2F Akaushi Beef: The Valley’s Best Hidden Secret

Akaushi 2F cut

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Rich, decadent flavors. Perfect marbling. While this jaw-dropping meat is available from the famed Wagyu cows of Japan, you can also get it born and raised right here in Texas.

Meet 2F Akaushi beef, a high-grade beef obtained from cows raised on the 2F Rancho Santa Fe in Santa Elena, Texas. The ONLY beef that graces the PRIME kitchen, this incredible meat is one of the highest-quality, and most flavorfully stunning, beefs out there.

Akaushi Wagyu beef

2F Akaushi Beef: A Wagyu Breed

With prices that can approach $200 a pound, Wagyu beef is some of the most expensive, and prized, meats in the world. Obtained from one of the four primary breeds of Wagyu cattle in Japan, this beef is renowned for its beautiful marbling and intensely tender taste experience.

Felo and Stephanie Martineze from the 2F Rancho Santa Fe have brought these Wagyu qualities right to the heart of Texas with their 2F Akaushi herds. Proudly bearing the Wagyu genetics of their Japanese ancestors, these prized cattle are carefully protected and cultivated to keep their bloodlines pure and their beef incredible.

As a Wagyu breed, 2F Akaushi beef has all of the characteristics of the highest-end cuts of tender beef that you may have craved, or even had the opportunity to taste in high-end steakhouses. The result? A locally-produced, tender Wagyu beef that makes for the juicy steak meals you associate with an unforgettable steakhouse experience.

2F Akaushi Beef: Characteristics

2F Akaushi beef, as a Wagyu beef, is known for its extreme tenderness and almost sweet flavor that is distinctive to this type of beef.

The secret to the tenderness of Akaushi beef, and all Wagyu beef, is the distinctive and extensive marbling of the meat. Rather than occurring on the outside of the beef, this marbling occurs inside the cow’s muscle.

In order to maximize this marbling, the cows are fed a steady diet of hormone-free, antibiotic free food, including corn. This healthy diet turns the marbling white while improving the overall quality of the meat.

The result is a beautiful cut of meat that is rich in white fat and primed to become an indulgent, decadent, and flavorful steakhouse meal.

Akaushi beef

Wagyu beef

2F Akaushi Beef: A Healthy Beef

Incredible flavor and texture are integral to the 2F Akaushi experience, but this meat is also some of the healthiest beef on the market.

What makes 2F Akaushi beef a healthier and higher-quality choice for your steak meal? The hormone-free and antibiotic-free diet makes this meat free of any potential contaminants or undesirable products.

In addition, this beef has the highest concentration of monounsaturated fat than any other type of beef. As a result, this beef is easier on the heart and better for the body than other types of beef, all while tasting absolutely delicious.

Here at PRIME Steak & Seafood, we exclusively use 2F Akaushi beef in every carefully-prepared steak dish we put out. By investing in a high-quality Texas product, we deliver a steakhouse experience that is delicious, local, and unforgettable. Reserve a table today and experience the flavor, tenderness, and memorable experience that is a PRIME meal.

Know Your Beef: 5 Cuts You Need to Know

If you have ever checked out the beef section in the grocery store and been left confused by the seemingly endless array of choices, then you have discovered the exciting complexity of beef cuts.

From ribeye steak to chuck roasts, sirloin to flank steak, the many types of beef cuts determine the flavor, texture, tenderness, and use of the beef that you purchase.

While there are many options from which to choose, we would like to introduce you to the 5 of the most important cuts to be aware of.

Beef Cuts: An Overview

First, however, you should understand how beef cuts work. Cuts of beef are divided into primal, subprimal, and portion cuts. Think of this as narrowing down a location from a state to a county to a city. Similarly, the primal cuts are taken from 8 major areas of the cow:

  • Round
  • Loin
  • Flank
  • Rib
  • Plate
  • Chuck
  • Brisket
  • Shank

From those major cuts of beef are taken subprimal cuts. For example, a larger piece of the rib might be cut off the cow and shipped to the restaurant or market, where it will be divided into portion cuts of ribeye steak.

We will examine the 5 portion cuts of beef that are most tender, decadent, and popular, so you can order your next steak from Prime with confidence.

Ribeye Steak

As you move away from the horn and hooves, the cow’s meat becomes more tender and more fatty. That makes it more tender and flavorful. The most popular and highest-quality cuts of beef, therefore, come from the center of the cow.

One of the very best cuts of beef, then, is the ribeye steak. With rich marbling and deep flavors, this type of steak is tender, juicy, and delicious, even before you add seasonings to elevate it to an unforgettable steak dinner. A variation on the ribeye steak is the cowboy prime steak, which is larger, and bone-in.

Here at Prime, we delight in serving ribeye steak taken from the most tender and highest-quality beef: Akaushi 2F beef. Our ribeye prime steaks promise the flavoring, juiciness, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that can only come from perfectly prepared steaks cut from the rib portion of the cow.

Ribeye Steak

Tenderloin Steak

Tenderloin Steak

The loin area of the cow is perhaps even more tender and valued than the rib area, due to the fact that the loin muscle is only rarely used and therefore has little opportunity to grow tough.

The loin is also the location of many of the most sought-after and high-quality cuts of meat. One of these portion cuts is the tenderloin steak. Taken from the upper middle part of the loin, this steak is also referred to as filet.

Tucked behind the rib, the tenderloin earns its name from its unmatched succulence and absence of marbling. Here at Prime, you can try this cut out by ordering or petit filet prime or filet prime steaks, guaranteed to be tender, perfectly seasoned, and irresistible.

Sirloin Steak

The left side of the cow’s loin is known as the shortloin. The right side is known as sirloin. This portion of the cow is incredibly tender but also packs incredible flavor. As a result, sirloin steak is considered one of the most desirable cuts of beef out there.

Sirloin cuts can get a little confusing because of the number of names and options out there. You can find sirloin cuts under any of the following names:

  • Sirloin steak
  • Center cut sirloin steak
  • Top sirloin
  • Bottom sirloin
  • Tri-tip
  • And more

When cooked to perfection and seasoned skillfully, sirloin cuts are some of the tastiest ways to enjoy a steak.

Sirloin Steak

Short Loin Steak

Short Loin Steak

The rich and tender loin is an almost endless source of delicious cuts of beef, and the shortloin is no exception. The short loin, or left portion of the loin, behind the ribs, delivers tender, succulent beef in a variety of cuts.

Here at Prime, we offer an indulgent New York strip steak cut from the tenderest portion of the short loin. Served boneless or bone-in, this steak is cut from around the T-bone portion of the loin and delivers tender, juicy goodness that we have perfectly prepared on our Josper charcoal ovens.

Porterhouse Steak

Finally, it is only right to include the porterhouse steak in our beef cuts lineup. This large cut of beef can weigh as much as 2 pounds (but don’t worry, we will cut it down for you if you order it here). Cut from the lower rib portion of the cow, this cut is the same as a T-bone, but is simply larger (Much larger).

This cut of beef is so flavorful, it doesn’t need much to make it shine. With a simple cooking method and a little bit of love, this cut of beef becomes one of the most delicious, and is a centerpiece of any steakhouse menu.

Porterhouse Steak

Here at Prime, it is our joy to cook incredible steak from the highest-quality cuts of beef. The only way to really understand the bet cuts of beef is to taste them, so make your reservation today, and stop by to taste just how good beef can be.