Lola Rugula

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a delicious steak this holiday season, I thought I’d share my recent positive experience with ordering online from Snake River Farms. I’d not planned on posting this here but got to thinking that since it’s a COVID 2020 year, a review of my experience with them might be helpful for those of you looking to make your holidays special while staying home, staying distanced, and staying safe.

I’ll start by saying this purchase was a definite splurge; it’s not every day that I spend this kind of money on 2 steaks but I will say the splurge was worth it. I purchased 2 of the American Wagyu Cowboy Steaks for just under $150. At the time I ordered these there were 2 sizes of this cut available and I chose the smaller option, which was anything but small. Looking at their site now, there’s only one size of this cut available; I don’t know if this is a permanent change or just the possibility that their selection changes based on demand.

My first suggestion is to sign up for their email mailing list; they offer some fantastic deals occasionally, one of which I took advantage of for my second purchase from them; a prime rib roast.

Their site is somewhat easy to navigate; pay attention to the “load more” option at the end of the selections you’re looking at. Purchasing was a breeze and they send you an immediate email notification that they’ve received your order. I especially appreciated that was able to select a delivery date weeks in advance. This assured me I’d have it for the date I wanted it and that I could plan for the delivery. It shipped via FedEx and though I didn’t have to sign for either order, obviously I don’t want my order sitting outside for any lengthy period of time. (I’ll mention here that I had a minor heart attack when my prime rib got accidentally delivered to my next-door neighbor. Luckily they’re honest people and kindly returned it to me. This failing was on FedEx and no reflection on Snake River Farms.)

Their orders do ship frozen and they are generously packed with dry ice in a Styrofoam cooler and then placed in a distinctive black box with their logo on it. Let me just say that it was an awfully big box for 2 steaks but they arrived still solidly frozen, which is no less than what I expected for a purchase such as this.

These photos are true action shots as, again, this wasn’t a planned post here for me but I think they do justice for the steaks nonetheless.

We seasoned these generously with some of our coarse gray Celtic sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. To the side are some oysters leftover from our raw bar appetizer and to the other side are some of the gorgeous eggplants from my garden.

My husband is a pro (much better than me) at touching steaks and determining their doneness. We weren’t taking any chances with these though and did use a probe thermometer to ensure the right temperature. I tend to like my steaks right around the 120-122 mark for medium rare; always remember the temperature is going to raise as they rest (and you should always let them rest) plus the bigger the steak (or roast) the more that temperature is going to rise during resting.

Here they are after a good sear and flip:

I wish I’d have taken at least one photo of how beautiful these babies were when we cut into them and oh my goodness, the flavor was out of this world. These were super tender; I know the term “like butter” gets tossed around a lot but these were that tender.

The other notable thing about ordering from Snake River Farms is your order ships with an excellent little booklet with cooking tips and ideas. They also have a ton of information on their website, including videos to watch if you’re unsure of how to cook something.

Another note: I ordered fresh lobsters and a selection of clams and oysters (a couple pictured in the first photo) for that same weekend from The Lobster Guy with excellent results. The lobsters were huge but tender (you can select the size of lobster you want) and the clams and oysters were briny and fresh.

Splurge purchase? Definitely! Worth it? You bet it was! We’re looking forward to enjoying the prime rib roast during the holidays.

There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself and when you consider what a good steak dinner for 2 costs at a nice restaurant, the price becomes more justifiable.

I hope you’re all staying safe and well!