Fred's extraordinary steak attracts meat devotees from all over the Bay

posted February 2, 2004

by Danny Snyder of Campanile

About forty years ago in his meat market in Los Gatos, a man named Fred revolutionized Bay Area steak when he invented his secret steak marinade. Fred used the marinade on all sorts of steaks, but he soon realized that it captured the greatest taste on fresh sirloins.

A Palo Alto favorite, Fred's Steak, which is found at Schaub's Meat, Fish and Poultry market in Stanford Shopping Center, has attracted steak lovers from all around the Bay Area for many years now.

Just don't be intimidated by the appearance, because the unique steak is absolutely delicious.

Fred's Steak looks like a black ball of burnt meat (before and after being cooked); however, when it gets out of the oven and into your mouth, your feelings will definitely change. One bite of the tender sirloin and you'll be hooked for life.

"Fred's Steak looks really weird, actually downright disgusting," steak-loving junior Todd Shulman said. "But it's up there with my favorite dinners and steaks."

The ugly-looking exterior of the steak is the reason for its perfection in taste. The seasoning creates a shell of crust around the outside of the meat that traps in the juices, preventing the luscious flavor from escaping the meat.

Not only does the marinade keep the juices from seeping out, it also makes the sirloins tender and sweet for the diner's delight. Fred's Steak has a full and robust taste. It is moderately seasoned and extremely moist and juicy. The steak has very little fat, complementing its exclusive and delectable taste.

Preparing the steak is also not a difficult task. If you're baking it (both instructions for two pounds of steak at medium rare), simply heat the oven to 375º F. When at that temperature, pop the steak in and wait 45 minutes until dinner is served. When barbequing, it takes even less time, only needing to be cooked for 30 minutes (for steaks smaller than two pounds, cook 20 minutes per pound).

Schaub's gets all of its meat from corn-fed cows in the Midwest. It is always imported fresh.

Despite all of its unique features, Fred's Steak is not overly priced and actually compares well with its corresponding high quality cuts of meat. Only found at Schaub's, Fred's Steak goes for $9.99 per pound, while at the same market, London Broil goes for $5.99 per pound and the luxurious Filet Mignon is priced at $22.99 per pound.

Fred's Steak can be both barbequed and broiled, making it great for any dinner occasion. Whether it be a large barbeque dinner party with multiple families or a simple family dinner, buy however much is desired and enjoy dinner with Fred's.