From turkey, goose, three bird roasts to the most traditional of ham on the side as a seasoned office worker I have eaten nearly three decades of work Christmas dinners each year every year and it’s always the traditional roast in one shape or form I go for.
So when an invitation arrived to sample the festive menu at High Street stalwart Bar + Block, I must admit my eyebrow raised skeptically.
After all, steak dinner isn’t typically considered a “traditional” Christmas meal by most. The question lingered: could a succulent but straightforward slab of beef truly measure up against the pomp and ceremony of a turkey dinner, complete with all the seasonal trimmings?
Carnivore’s confession: Steak vs. Turkey, a classic simplicity showdown
As a self-proclaimed carnivore, I have a deep love for steak, preferably cooked rare, rested to perfection, and adorned with just the right dash of seasoning and a well-crafted peppercorn sauce. It’s a classic that, for me, is incredibly hard to surpass. But does it embody the spirit of Christmas?
A satisfying medley of flavors and textures
I am thrilled to report that the Bar + Block I visited in Birmingham’s Exchange Square delivered a two-course meal for £30.95 that exceeded expectations. The steak sampler, featuring sirloin, rump, and fillet, accompanied by beer-battered onion rings and parmesan beef dripping triple-cooked chunky chips with samphire, offered a delightful range of flavors and textures.
This medley captured the variety one anticipates in a Christmas meal without compromising the classic presentation a steak dinner demands.
Complemented by the recommended rioja reserva, the meal struck all the right chords. However, it was the starter, which I opted to have served alongside the mains, that truly stole the show.
Scallops in blankets: A worthy challenger to the beloved pigs in blankets
Any Christmas dinner aficionado would naturally wonder: what could possibly outshine the seasonal treat of pigs in blankets as a satisfying side for any festive meal? The culinary masterminds at Bar + Block have conjured up a strong contender in the form of scallops in blankets. Crispy on the outside and melt-in-the-mouth on the inside, these delectable morsels elicited an enthusiastic “yum” from this satisfied diner.
It is with great pleasure that I can report my notion of a Christmas meal has been forever altered, thanks to the intriguing menu and inviting atmosphere of this casual steakhouse. Bar + Block has successfully challenged tradition, proving that a well-crafted steak dinner can indeed hold its own against the time-honored turkey and trimmings.
