On one fateful night, a group of girls were expressing their adoration of steak – and came upon the idea of a ‘Girls Steak Club’.  Now, many of us guys attempted to partake, including the admission that they might even wear dresses and wigs – but alas all our efforts were curtailed.  It was not for boys.

Simon Majumdar put a tweet out the effect of, what blokes want to eat some beef.  A hashtag was assembed, #blokeseatbeef, and we were ready to go.  Now as soon as I saw this conversation occuring, I knew I had to get into the fray.  Nevermind the small matter that I live in Birmingham, I had to be there.

Due to the different city, it allowed a three day excursion of eating and drinking – not too much of a hardlife. Earlier in the evening I met some of the guys in Hix, which is not exactly the easiest place to identify – with the smallest nameplate ever to grace the planet.  I may have been teased for admiting that I had done a ‘rekkie’ of the site the previous day, but my companion was about to walk straight by!

Now cocktails, truly are manly – not those with the raspberries and all – I’m talking about straight cold alcohol, mixed with alcohol.  A quick perusal of the cocktail list indicated it had to be the Negroni, a cocktail likely to prove manliness.  I convinced the others that it was the drink to have – some of which may have regretted listening to me.

A stumble quick walk up the road from Hix, led us into the main event at Goodmans.  Walking through the restaurant to the backroom, camera viking helmet in hand I felt ready.  Ready? Indeed – as rumours that morning had indicated that there may have been 36KG of beef, for 25 people.  I’m sure thats enough to feed a small army squad.

First came the next manly drink, Chapel Down Sparkling Rose – OK, I know it’s not ale – but we are distinguished gentlemen; not just blokes.  And we were quickly settled in our ringside seats to hear John Cadieux take us through the beef on offer for that evening.  Everyone was transfixed, on tales of comparison to dead bodies, and the merits of aging beef and the provenance of beef affecting the flavour.

We had the man himself Frank Hederman talk to us about his Salmon, which was served two ways.  Firstly simply sliced thickly, with wheaten bread.  Secondly, mixed with cucumber and creme fraiche.  I really enjoyed the thick cuts of salmon, unadulterated taste without being overpowering.

Now, considering this was all about the beef, the menu could so far be considered vegetarian.  Plates and plates of the four cuts were brought out to the tables, labelled by number so that we could choose which out of the USDA from Nebraska, Belted Gallway from the Lake District, Charalais/Limosin from Scotland and Black Angus from Ireland were truly the best.

Now, each piece along could have done me fine – but it was my duty to continue, with a small helping of bernaise and peppercorn sauce, a couple of onion rings; and leaving the ‘token salad’ in the bowl.  After working through the food I fed full, but yet more trays of beef arrived, and again the room was full of beef eating action, it was true blue bloke on beef action throughout the room.  The action only disturbed by chatter about the beef, and to consume the Malbec that kept on appearing in our glasses.

I adored cut #3, which turned out to be the Scottish Charalais – I know what I’ll be ordering if I’m back in Goodmans anytime soon.

We also partook in dessert, the Cheesecake was a winner for me – even after all that food, and a slight nibbling of cheddar (as I try to work out the differences with my cheese phobia – no stinking bishop for me!

Overall a great night was had, a little bit of food was consumed, and a stumble home occurred.

I’ll the pictures give you an idea:

More pictures in my Flickr Set – Blokes Eat Beef – Goodmans

I’m off there next weekend, and some of the weekdays for what will hopefully be a culinary adventure.  Who says you need to go to the continent!  The main event is ‘Blokes Eat Beef’ [More on that next week] on the Monday, but this means I will have time to kill from the Sunday through to the Tuesday.

I’m being sensible – I know the chance of me being ‘fit’ for work AND in Birmingham on Tuesday are slim to none.

This gives me time to have a wander through London, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner etc can all be done!  I’ve purposefully got no other plans, bar a bit of culture at the V&A.

What are the secret, and not so secret gems of London that I should consider going to?  I have a little list, but I want to be spoilt with choices.

So go on, spill!

So it’s been week 12 (time is certainly flying by), I’ll keep it brief, and in some cases I’ve linked to the place on Tipped.

Monday: Leongs Legends – Dim Sum is my little addiction, that I never get round to making; or finding a decent purveyor of in Birmingham.  I was slightly over adventurous order 4 dishes to myself: siu long bao, oysters with egg, mini pork belly roll and another noodle dish. 

Tuesday: The Rake – After tweeting for some recommendations, near London Bridge I got this:

I can certainly say I’ve not seen as many beers in a fridge before.  The delights included Hebrew, Brewdog Punk IPA, a sample of Epic Beer (from NZ). Check it out if you are near London Bridge/Borough Market way.

Wednesday:  I had arranged to meet up with @Grumblemouse, otherwise known as Charles from Tipped.  Many a places were visited including The Crown Tavern, Dovetail, Fox & Anchor.

The Fox & Anchor certainly stands out, there are pewter tankards hanging from the bar, and a nice selection of beers on offer.  We had some Meantime IPA, London Porter (both are served in wine bottles – that was a case for sharing!).  Also on offer here were some decent oysters, not too badly priced.  Certainly more than your usual pub grub offering.

It finished off with a visit to the new Gaucho, where I had a lovely spiral cut, and some lamb chops to share as well.  Certainly a tasty night, and I’ve discovered quite a few new places in Clerkenwell, as well as the tasty Meantime IPA that I will be purchasing tomorrow!

Thursday: Abeno Too – I had intended to eat at Cha Cha Moon (a cheap eat from Alan Yau off Carnaby Street, but alas I had bad service before even ordering and left).  Abeno Too, on the other hand was a delight.  It is an Okonomiyaki bar, where you can get a ‘japanese omelette’ cooked in front of you on a hot plate.  I had a nice mix of salmon, squid and prawns. 

Thats all folks, a few nice places were hit in the week, and I’ve still got a list to get through when I get back!

Well, what a week.  The UK officially broke down, though whilst the snow started off in the south it didn’t allow me to get away with a snow day.  Sometimes being based in Birmingham has its downsides, I had to get in the car and drive to see some clients.  Let’s just say that the return trip was a bit hairy, what with driving in a blizzard on non-gritted roads!

Back at home, due to not having any food around I was a bit of of sync with my usual routine.  Nothing too amazing this week, though my friend did manage to make a good dinner on Saturday.  He was happy with 7/10, unfortunately like many people he had an issue with a chocolate mousse not setting!

Monday: Appalling room service – Greasy Pizza with Salami
Tuesday: Onion Risotto, Squid & Belly Pork, Coffee & Petit Fours at Anthony’s
Wednesday:  Chili Con Carne (salvaged from the depths of my Freezer).  Also baked some tasty flourless chocolate brownies [I have a slight craving for chocolate on a weekly basis]
Thursday: Toad in the Hole, with yorkshire sausages and a few strips of beef.
Friday:  Leftover toad 
Saturday: [Dinner at a friends: @RedWineBoy]
Sunday: A misty haze, Beef Pie.