We’re in the thick of grilling season and I couldn’t be happier. We’re out in the backyard as much as possible soaking in the sunshine and grilling up amazing meals.

Are you taking advantage of the beautiful weather and grilling out?

If so, how’s it going? If you’re like me, you may need a Grilling 101 refresher course to make sure your summer grilling sessions go smoothly. It’s easy to forget over the long, hard winter.

Luckily, we’ve got a refresher course right here. Ready, set, go grab the grill!

Grilling 101
Top 10 Grilling Tips – Grilling the best steak is not as easy as it seems. It’s all in the details. Check out these Top 10 Grilling Tips for making your steaks the best they can be.	How to Clean a Grill – You want your steak to be delicious, right? A clean grill makes a big difference in the outcome of your steak. Follow these step-by-step instructions to set the stage for the perfect steak.
A Guide to Steak Cuts – Looking for something tender? Or thick and hearty? Make sure to choose the cut that’s right for you with this handy dandy guide to steak cuts.	Best Tools by Cut – To grill properly you’ve got to have the right tools for the job. And, believe it or not, different cuts require different tools. Learn why here and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Get the Most out of Your Grill
Grilling Vegetables	Grilling Seafood
Grilling Favorites – A great recipe can really take your grilling experience to the next level. Fantastic marinades, rubs, seasonings and sauces can bring a whole new life to the grilling experience. Try something new for a unique flavor sensation.
Grilled Ribeye Steak Recipe	Grilled, Smoked Prime Rib Recipe

This year is Leap Year! It’s fun to have an extra day in February. It’s like getting a bonus day in your life.

So what will you do with that extra day? I’ve got some thoughts. Allow me to present some ways to celebrate this special year – Steak Enthusiast style.

1. Expand your horizons and try new cuts of steak. Ever tried a Porterhouse? You have an extra day to do so!
2. Try some steak recipes you’ve never cooked before. Go wild!
3. Still snowing where you live? Grill some steaks in the snow!
4. Buy some new dinnerware. It livens up your table.
5. Pretend it’s a summer cookout – even if it’s 25 degrees out. Wear a straw hat and shorts. Make some fruity drinks. You can stay inside, just dress the part!
6. Invite the neighbors over.
7. Invite someone new, too.
8. Don’t want to wear a straw hat? Get out the nice china.
9. Eat on kids’ plates. Mickey Mouse, Power Rangers, whatever makes it fun!
10. Discuss what everyone in your family will do with an extra day.
11. Research Leap Year and educate your family about its origins, etc.
12. Make the kids research Leap Year and educate you.
13. Celebrate with a frog theme – you know, leap!
14. Go wild with a side dish you normally wouldn’t serve.
15. Have the kids cook this time.
16. Try to eat your steaks with chopsticks.
17. Cook your steaks differently this time. Normally eat it medium well? Try medium rare.
18. Add a new sauce to your steak.
19. Try a new marinade.
20. Ever used a rub? Now’s the time!
21. Eat your steak with your hands – very, very Paleo.
22. Sit in a seat at the dinner table that’s NOT your regular seat.
23. Talk over dinner about how your New Year’s resolutions are going.
24. Document your meal for your scrapbook or Pinterest.
25. Turn off all electronics and really connect. It’s Leap Day!
26. Make a special dessert.
27. Tell your kids one thing they don’t know about you.
28. Ask your kids to share one thing you don’t know.
29. Relax the rules and just have fun!

I’m a steak lover. An enthusiast, if you will.

And I love great steaks. They make my world sunnier, my senses keener and, frankly, my day better.

I DON’T like steaks that merely pass for steak, though. Tough meat. Yuck. No juice or flavor. Ick.

That’s just sad. And so not worth it. That’s really just a tease.

So when I eat a steak there is no debating – USDA Prime vs. Choice. I choose USDA Prime every time.

Why?

It’s not a matter of snobbery. Although it could be perceived that way. Because…

USDA Prime is only actually qualified to have that moniker if it’s the top 1-2% of beef available. It’s the top grade that the USDA bestows upon a steak. This grade has the most amount of marbling – the fat running through the beef – that gives it extraordinary flavor and buttery texture. USDA Prime is the highest quality.

In a word – exquisite.

That’s why there is no question for me. If I’m eating steak I want it to be a great experience. Or else, what’s the point?

Look, I don’t eat steak every day. I wish I did. But I don’t. So when I do I want it to be special. Even if I’m eating with a crowd. So I go for USDA Prime when it’s my grill.

But hey, when I’m a guest I can’t always control that. Unless I offer to bring my own steaks. Which I always do.

It’s not rude – it’s “helpful.” People actually love it when you pitch in.

So next time it’s BYOS – Bring Your Own Steaks – remember to treat yourself right and go for the USDA Prime steaks. It’ll be a great memory instead of just a so-so memory.

You can thank me later!