Who doesn’t love biting into a juicy, flavorful burger? It’s a classic American meal and a go-to for many celebrations. But have you ever wondered how to take your burger to the next level? Look no further than Steakhouse Elite premium beef. With our high-quality, Kobe-crafted beef, you can elevate your burger game and impress all your guests.

Why Steakhouse Elite? A next-level burger experience requires the benefits of using premium beef. Couple the taste and flavor of Kobe-crafted beef with stellar prep and cooking tips and the result is a perfect next-level burger.

Why Choose Steakhouse Elite Premium Beef?

When it comes to making the perfect burger, using high-quality beef makes all the difference. Steakhouse Elite offers meticulously crafted, USDA-certified beef with no additives or fillers. Our cattle are carefully raised on US pastures and humanely treated, resulting in flavorful and tender meat. Plus, our beef comes in a variety of different selections to savor depending on your personal preferences--from grass fed, to Kobe-crafted with Brisket, to Kobe-crafted with Prime Rib. This means you get premium beef with your favorite beef qualities in a juicier, more flavorful burger.

Tips for Making the Perfect Burger

While beef selection is a major part of creating a mouth-watering, juicy burger, there are also some techniques to ensure the best possible burger. 

Don't overcook the beef. Beef is made to be tender, and over-cooking it with create more density. The perfect burger is considered to be medium rare, which can be accomplished with only four minutes on each side at medium-high heat. 

Don’t overwork the meat. This can lead to a tough, dry burger. Gently form the ground beef into patties and avoid pressing down on the burgers while cooking.  Our burgers are specially shaped to maximize juiciness upon cooking, with almost a "puffed up" middle for burger perfection--no extra turning and pressing required!

Let the burgers rest. Allow the burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep the juices inside and result in a juicier burger.

Elevate Your Burger with Toppings and Condiments

Once you’ve cooked your burgers to perfection, it’s time to add your favorite toppings and condiments such as:
- Classic toppings: Lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion.
- Cheese: American, cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese or even brie or pimento for a new experience.
- Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayo, barbecue sauce, sriracha, burger spread or truffle mayo. 
- Unique toppings: Try avocado, bacon, pulled pork, fried egg, mushrooms, jalapeno or caramelized onions.

Next Level Serving Suggestions

To truly elevate your burger game, consider serving your burgers in a unique way like using Brioche buns or pretzel buns add an extra dimension of flavor, quartering your burgers to create sliders for a fun and interactive way to serve a crowd, or really elevate the burger making experience with a toppings bar to allow guests to customize their own burgers to their taste and dietary needs. 

With Steakhouse Elite premium beef, you can take your burger to the next level and impress all your guests. Remember to choose high-quality beef in your favorite variety, cook with tips for the juiciest burger possible, and add your favorite toppings and condiments. With Steakhouse Elite Kobe-crafted beef, it's easy to elevate your burger experience! Find it at a store near you: Where to Buy Steakhouse Elite

What can we say? We're burger addicts. So just because the weather changes and the grill is covered in frost, doesn't mean we are willing to give up our Kobe-Crafted burger habit.

So when we want to enjoy a juicy, delicious burger but can't bear the thought of braving the icy outdoors, we do what desperate times require: we use our oven!

Winter food doesn't have to be boring, and burgers are the perfect comfort food to battle the cold, it just requires a small adjustment. Don't let the lack of a grill or warm weather keep you from enjoying your favorite food. When you opt for the tasty, perfectly-textured Steakhouse Elite burger, even an oven burger can be extraordinary! 

How to Cook a Burger in the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven

The first step in cooking the perfect burger is to preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the burgers from sticking and make for easy clean-up. 

2. Prepare the Patties--or Buy Ours!

Next, make the patties. Mix in salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic, and any other seasonings of your choice to your ground beef. Shape the beef into patties of even size. When shaping the patties, be careful not to overwork the beef as this causes tough burgers. Don't feel like bothering with all that? Pick up a four-pack of Steakhouse Elite, and the burger pressing is done for you! 

3. Cook It Up

Get the patties onto the prepared baking tray and place them in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then flip the patties so that they cook evenly. As oven temperatures can vary, use a meat thermometer to determine the burgers' doneness. An internal temperature of 160°F indicates a well-done burger.

4. Add the Cheese. 

For an extra treat, add a slice of cheese to the burgers during the final moments of baking. Cheddar and Swiss cheese work perfectly for this dish, but feel free to get creative with toppings. 

5. Toast the Buns

While the burgers are cooking, you have time to toast the buns. Slice your burger buns in half and put them in the oven alongside the burgers. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don't burn. Extra points for buttering the buns before toasting!

Don't let the wintery weather keep you from your burger addiction.  With just a few modifications (no mittens and hats required), you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time by putting your Steakhouse Elite Kobe-Crafted pre-pressed burgers in the oven (find them at your local grocer).

Where can you go where you: can be part of the live action, celebrate with your community, wear costumes, and act like you’re 21 all over again? Why, tailgating, where else!

Tailgating has become part of the American weekend culture from August until February. Not only doe professional sports teams get in on the action, but NCAA football teams all around the U.S. have become the  venue space to accommodate excitable tailgaters. 

So, why, you may ask, do people love to get out the BBQ’s, face paint, and ice chests so much? We asked some seasoned tailgaters and here’s what they said:

• It’s fun
• You feel like part of the “team” by participating in the action
• You get to engage with other fans on game day
• The other fans boost your enthusiasm
• It’s a great way to unite with college friends once you’ve graduated
• Every tailgate has different games, foods, and drinks to try
• It’s a kick to see all the face tattoos, face paint, jerseys, and fan get-ups
• Many radio stations and sponsors give away free fan swag
• It’s family-friendly with activities and games for any age of game-goer
…And…
• The food is tasty, unique, and delicious!

So, tailgating is really about the food (just add game day gear, beverages, and games). But even if you can’t make it to the stadium, you can re-create the tailgating fun right at home with delicious food, fun games, and good company.

Whether you are opting to drive in and pull the tailgate down, or just cozy up on your own couch on game day, try these crowd-pleasing tailgating recipes and make your game day something special! And remember, with Steakhouse Elite pre-pressed, quality beef patties available in four-packs from your grocer, you can have your burgers ready in four minutes on each side, so you never have to miss a tailgating moment! 

Take a twist on the classics: MAPLE-BACON BEER BURGER

Make ahead and enjoy the game uninterrupted: STEAKHOUSE ELITE CROCKPOT BOLOGNESE

A serve-yourself recipe for a large game day crowd: STEAKHOUSE ELITE GUINNESS SLOPPY JOES

A just-the-basics chili recipe: CHILLY DAY BEEF CHILI

Something to warm you up on a cold game day: BEEFED UP MAC AND CHEESE

A fall-chili remix: PALEO PUMPKIN SPICE CHILI 

Some do it in a park. Some do it in the dark. Some do it in the privacy of their own neighborhood.  But wherever you do your tailgate, make sure it’s not missing the one thing everyone loves about tailgating…the food! Brought to you by the ready-to-grill burgers of Steakhouse Elite! 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all the daily tasks you have to take care of, including meal preparation? Are you constantly tempted to make poor food choices because you simply don’t have the time or energy to cook? Well, you’re not alone! Many people struggle with unhealthy eating habits due to their busy lifestyles, especially as we struggle with going back to school and heading into the holiday season. That’s why meal prep has become such a popular trend. Not only does it save time and money, but it also leads to healthier food choices and create less food waste. Not to mention, it also allows you to use quality ingredients like Steakhouse Elite premium beef which tastes way better than an expensive steakhouse burger or restaurant meal, and is healthier and less pricey than to-go or going out food. 

Benefits to Meal Prep

Less Food Waste.

Do you ever buy groceries only to end up throwing away unused food because it’s expired or gone bad? Meal prep can help you avoid this problem. Instead of buying groceries for the week without a plan, meal prep involves planning out your meals in advance so you can buy only the ingredients you need and prepare them all at once. And, because most food is packaged in larger quantities, you can use one package for multiple meals. This makes it much easier to avoid food waste and save money in the long run.

Healthier Options.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of choosing unhealthy food options when you’re in a rush or don’t have time to cook. Meal prep, however, allows you to make ahead nutritious meals and snacks. This way, you always have healthy options on hand and won’t feel tempted to grab something processed and full of unhealthy additives. Plus, by prepping your meals, you can control portion sizes and track your calorie and nutrient intake.

Time Savings. 

One of the biggest benefits of meal prep is the time it saves. Instead of spending hours cooking each day, you can prepare all your meals at once for the entire week or even month. This can be a real game-changer for busy parents or professionals who are always on the go. You can even enlist the help of family members or roommates to make meal prep a fun and social activity. Add some wine or micro brews and pair them with your meals during meal prep for some added fun. 

More Variety.

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a food rut, eating the same meals over and over again? With meal prep, the possibilities are endless! You can try new recipes and experiment with different cuisines, spices and flavors, and for an added benefit, explore ingredients in-season which saves money and is socially responsible. This can help keep things interesting and prevent boredom from setting in. Plus, by planning out your meals in advance, you can ensure that you’re getting a variety of different nutrients and food groups.

Boosts Confidence.

When you know what you’re eating, it can give you an unprecedented level of confidence. You’ll be sure that whatever you take is real food, like our 100% nothing-but-beef, as opposed to processed food loaded with bad chemicals and possible allergens. You don’t have a choice when eating out, but preparing your meal will let you take charge of the composition of your meals. It gives you a sense of empowerment that can sometimes be hard to find at other times in life.


Meal prep has become an endless trend due to all its benefits. It can save time, reduce food waste, offer healthier choices, provide variety, and even boost your confidence.  By prepping your meals, you can achieve healthy eating habits, save time and even start enjoying your time in the kitchen. 

Hello, burger lovers! Today we are going to dive into the world of grilling and burgers. If you’re a food lover and want to impress your hungry friends and family with your mad grilling skills, read on! We want to share with you some of our favorite hacks for grilling juicy and delicious burgers like a pro. So light the grill, pull the Steakhouse Elite premium beef out of the fridge and let’s get this barbecue party started with five hacks that will have the entire neighborhood drooling.

1. Choose the right meat (us, we're the right meat!).

The key to juicy burgers is the right meat. You want to choose beef that has a good balance of meat and fat content. Ground chuck is one of the best options for burgers as it has just the right amount of fat that will give flavor and moisture to your burgers. Our Kobe-Crafted, 100% all beef burgers are velvety, yet firm, robust, yet beefy for a perfect burger balance every time in your choice of signature Kobe-Crafted, Angus, Grass Fed, Ribeye or Beef with Brisket. Choose your favorite varietal and no need to add anything--these burgers are crafted to perfection and need nothing more than a little salt and pepper.

2. Prep the grill.

Before you start grilling, you should make sure that your grill is hot enough to cook your burgers. A good rule of thumb is to preheat the grill to a high heat for at least 10-15 minutes. Brush your grill with oil to avoid burgers from sticking and to make them easier to turn once they’re on. By doing this, you will create those fancy grill marks on the burgers that will look great and add more flavor, upping your overall grill game.

3. Form your burgers.

It’s essential to form your burgers properly. Making your burgers too thin might dry them out, and making them too thick might cause them to be too rare in the center. That's why our burgers are pre-pressed to perfection in a 6-ounce portion--so there's no fighting over the largest patty!

4. Cook the burgers.

The most important step in making delicious burgers is cooking them properly. You want to sear each side of your burgers for an initial two minutes on high heat to achieve those grill marks we mentioned earlier. After that, you will want to turn them over and keep cooking them until they reach your desired temperature (approximately 4 minutes on each size for medium-rare--the industry standard). Medium-rare means the center should be around 130°F or 55°C. The more you cook your burgers, the tougher they’ll become, so stick to the medium-rare goal to get that perfect juicy burger.

5. Build your burger.

Now the fun part--the toppings!  Customize and build your burger to your liking with an assortment toppings such as lettuce, cheese, bacon, pickles, or onions; or show some real kitchen creativity and experiment with various cheeses, sauces or toppings like pimento, maple bacon, sriracha, jalapenos, fried onions--the sky is the limit when you use Steakhouse Elite because our beef is bold and flavorful enough to top with anything!

Grilling is a skill that, with practice, can be mastered like a top chef. Burgers are a delicious staple of any barbecue party, and with these tips, you’ll be grilling them like a pro in no time. So have fun, experiment with innovative tastes, and enjoy your creations with your friends and family. Happy grilling!

It's hard to imagine a world without burgers - juicy patties, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings all sandwiched between two doughy buns! But have you ever stopped to think about where this beloved creation came from? From humble beginnings to worldwide phenomenon, the burger has certainly come a long way!

The origins of the burger can actually be traced back to ancient times, where minced meat was often combined with spices and shaped into patties. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the concept of the burger as we know it today started to take shape. During this time, German immigrants brought the dish known as "Hamburg-style" to the United States. These patties were made from ground beef and served between two slices of bread, often with condiments like ketchup and mustard.

As the burger gained popularity in the U.S., it began to evolve and take on new forms. In the 1920s, the legendary White Castle chain was born, serving up small, square burgers affectionately known as "sliders." Meanwhile, in California, the famed In-N-Out Burger opened its doors in the 1940s and introduced the world to "animal-style" burgers, a fan favorite to this day.

Fast forward to the present day, and burgers have become a global food staple. Whether you're craving a classic Big Mac from McDonald's, a gourmet creation from a trendy bistro, or a Kobe-crafted you-grill Steakhouse Elite burger, there's truly a burger for every taste preference.

But why are burgers so universally loved? Part of it has to do with their versatility - you can dress them up or down, add any toppings you like, and make them as simple or complex as you please.  The key is really finding beef you love and dressing it to your desire. Burgers are also the ultimate comfort food, bringing a sense of familiarity and satisfaction to any meal.

So there you have it - the history of burgers from their humble beginnings to today's modern varieties. Whether you're a die-hard burger lover or simply enjoy them from time to time, the burger's enduring popularity is a testament to its deliciousness and flexibility. So next time you bite into a juicy patty, take a moment to appreciate the long and fascinating history behind this beloved food which now can be found in restaurants world-wide, at events, or crafted by you and put on your own dinner plate!

How do you know when your burger is done? No, really! It may look, feel and smell done, then you cut it in half and the oozing red from the meat tells you, you were wrong!

The problem is, the majority of people don't know when a burger is actually "done" because they rely on very unreliable methods to detect doneness such as:

• The “poke” test. Poking the beef with a BBQ fork to see how much (and what color) juice comes out.
• The “smell” test. Cooking beef until it smells so good, you can no longer resist but pull it off the grill.
• The “cut” test: Stabbing the center of the burger with a knife to view the doneness of the inside, then putting the cut burger on your plate and in between the bun so no one notices the wounded burger.
• The “taste” test. Pulling beef off the grill, skillet, or out of the oven, sitting down for dinner, cutting open the burger, and then circulating it around the table until the group consensus is: "it's done." If not "done",  undone pieces go into the microwave while the host profusely apologizes.

The problem is, none of these methods--though oh-so-scientific in nature--will guarantee your burger is done. Underdone and overdone are common results of this ambiguous methodology, and the ONLY way to guarantee the proper cooking of your burger to your liking  is using an instant read thermometer (psst...the widely-accepted wellness standard for a burger is medium-rare). 

Using a thermometer, the general rule of thumb is to cook ground meats until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches  your desired temperature, generally between 130 and 160°F. The safest temperature for beef is well done at 160°F. However, the following temperatures are commonly accepted with proper handling for doneness:

Medium: 140°F to 145°F – Slight pink throughout the inside of the burger.
*Medium Rare: 130°F to 135°F – If proper precautions are taken, you can cook and eat at this temperature.
Rare: 120°F to 125°F – You should never cook and eat a burger at this temperature for safety reasons.

Note: Due to the natural nitrate content of certain ingredients sometimes used in burgers such as onions and/or bell peppers, the burger may remain pink even when 160°F internal temperature has been reached, so the color of the alone is a misleading. Yet another reason to consider a thermometer!

In addition to proper detection of doneness, there are a few other considerations when working with raw beef to help avoid cross-contamination:

• Use a separate cutting board when prepping raw beef, and wash the board thoroughly in hot, soapy water immediately after use on raw food to avoid transferring contaminants from the board to other food like fresh tomato, onion, lettuce and pickle toppings.
• Never put a cooked burger back on the same plate or prep surface you used for a raw patty.
• Never leave cooked food sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours (that goes for refrigerated condiments such as mayonnaise, too!)

So poke it, smell it, cut it, taste it--just also check it with a thermometer! This will prevent having to hide the chef's-cut burger and keep your burgers perfectly cooked and safely served.

Didn't think crockpot dinners could be easy, delicious, affordable AND healthy? Well that's a crock pot of beef! If you haven't explored what your Crock-Pot can do for a family meal lately, then you are one of only an estimated 30 percent of people that either don't own one, or you have yet to find a reason to use yours. 

Busy moms, working parents, overwhelmed singles and even college students craving a home-cooked meal have found the benefits of slow cooking using their Crock-Pot. 

Benefits to Using a Slow Cooker or Crock-Pot:
​

• Saves Time. Slow cookers allow you to leave food unattended, so you can be cooking dinner while at work or school.

• Enhances Flavor and Softens Meats. Slow cooking can help soften tougher (and often less expensive) cuts of meats.  The result is a robust, tender, delicious, one-pot meal. 
• It’s Good for Novice Cooks.  Using the lower temperatures of a slow cooker lessons the chance of burning foods or scorching them on the bottom.  It also allows you to put all your ingredients together at once, eliminating extra steps, utensils, and dishes. 
• Saves Space. Using a slow cooker relieves the need for an oven and stove-top, which is especially convenient when hosting or cooking a large meal, or helpful to dorm-occupying college students. 
  
• Easy.  Because slow cooker recipes are generally one-dish ideas, it’s an easy way to feed one–or many, with minimal cleanup. 

Even delightfully textured and supple meat like our Steakhouse Elite Kobe-Crafted ground beef can benefit from slow cooking by bringing out the subtle flavors and softer textures of the other ingredients. It's so simple--just add ingredients, set the timer and enjoy a fulfilling, home cooking meal with almost no effort. 

One quick look on Instagram or Pinterest can spark the idea wagon for which Crock-Pot recipe you'd like to give a try, but if you're stumped, try this no-fail Steakhouse Elite Crock-Pot Bolognese and see just how delicious and savory slow cooking can be.

Crockpot Bolognese by Steakhouse Elite

Ingredients:
​
2T Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) 1lb Steakhouse Elite Ground Beef 3T Butter
3T Garlic (minced)
1/2C Onion (chopped)
2/3C Celery (chopped)
2/3C Carrot (chopped)
28oz Can of Diced Tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted) 8oz Tomato Paste
Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning & Nutmeg (to taste) 1C Cream
1C White Wine
1/4C Parsley (chopped)
1/2C Parmesan (shredded)
Pappardelle Pasta or Spaghetti (or lighten it up with zucchini noodles)

Instructions:

Heat 1T of EVOO in a pan over medium-high heat. Add Steakhouse Elite ground beef and brown. Set aside.

Turn heat on your slow cooker to high and add EVOO and butter. Add garlic, onion, carrots and celery and stir. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and then add the beef. Stir and add your favorite combinations of seasonings (we recommend a heavy dose of salt, pepper, oregano and basil with a touch of red pepper and rosemary). Stir in cream and white wine, parsley (if desired), and parmesan and bring to a boil.

Turn slow cooker temperature to low and simmer for 4 – 8 hours. Serve over Pappardelle Pasta, spaghetti or zucchini noodles.

It's tailgating season, and it hits every one of your senses: the team colors dance off your eyes, the fight song plays in your ear, the feel of the pigskin rubs across your finger tips, the smell of fresh grass hits your nose, and the taste of stadium food favorites like fresh grilled burgers and potato salad are savored with every bite. It's not just a game, it's an experience, and you get to enjoy it with a former group of strangers that, for at least the next few hours, are now part of your community.

Every part of the tailgate experience amplifies the atmosphere for fun, enjoyment and camaraderie. But no element--besides the game itself--is a bigger part of the experience than the food. Food, as it turns out, is the reason for the coined term, "tailgate" to begin with. It is believed the term was coined by fans of the Green Bay Packers in 1919, when Packers fans would park their pickup tracks around the field, sit in the truck bed and enjoy foods with fellow fans such as ham, potatoes and custards. 

Modern day tailgates generally include a hand-held entrees like sandwiches, breakfast burritos, hamburgers, hot dogs or fried chicken, but those with more tailgate swagger--and generally a tailgate-friendly RV to cook in--will dabble in more sophisticated culinary adventures like tri-tip, rotisserie chicken, chili--almost anything goes! 

For sophisticated, next level taste that will impress any fan without the heavy-duty prep time, tailgates all over have found the secret: Kobe-crafted Waygu beef, perfectly formed into a ready-to-grill burger, courtesy of our expert beef handlers at Steakhouse Elite. It's juicy, firm in texture, beefy, bold and savory. Sandwiched between a soft bun and topped with any assortment of gourmet toppings, it's burger perfection with all the taste of a steakhouse burger right at your tailgate. 

For the best tailgating burger experience, there are a few tips we--as seasoned tailgaters ourselves--can offer for the optimal tailgating experience:

1. Don't waste time on the stuff that doesn't matter.  Fancy football-shaped napkins are cute, but nothing more than a place to wipe that condiment and burger juice, and nobody seems to notice the design. Simple will do just fine, and that goes for the paper plates as well--they are covered with food as soon as you set them out and then tossed into the garbage, so put your efforts into the food and not the frill.
2. Don't choose being a grill master over a fan! Sure, it's great to push the smells of the grill across the stadium, but you don't want to be stuck there all day. Some grilled dishes can leave you attending to the grill all day long, instead of enjoying the pregame vibe, complete with trash talking the other team (only in fun of course; good sportsmanship only!), complimenting your neighbor on their decked out vehicle, and taking bets on the final score. Don't miss out on the pregame because you're stuck in the kitchen or behind the grill. Opt for simple and delicious pre-pressed Steakhouse Elite burgers you can just throw on the grill and enjoy a few minutes later.
3. Preparation is key to the win! On game day, the focus should be on the game, not kitchen chores. Prepare ahead of time by chopping veggies, prepping the side dishes and putting condiments in convenient, ready-to-serve containers. Bonus points for using disposable or ready-to-serve bakeware which makes clean up a snap so you're not late to the game!
4. Handheld foods make for less mess. No-utensils-required means no utensils to clean. That's a win-win! Choose from handheld tailgate favorites like burgers, chicken wings, burritos, taquitos, veggies and ranch, fried chicken, hot dogs, sliders and chips.
5. Don't forget the after-party. You can burn a lot of energy being the twelfth man on the field! Be sure you have something to eat when you get back from the game. You'll need to get your energy up for next week's game! Easy snacks for the aftermath are much appreciated and often consumed, and it can be as simple as some hot dogs, pizza or leftovers from earlier!

The yells of fans can be heard. People are dressed in a sea of coordinating colors. The deep beat of drums is thundering through blocks around the stadium. The football is being tossed. And that's all before the game even starts! Keep up the tradition of a fantastic, food-focused tailgate and add to the sights, smells, sounds and tastes by offering up simple, easy, and delicious tailgate food options this football season. Go team!

What do you think of when you think about fresh air feasting?

Do you think of a flimsy blanket over scratchy grass, soggy sandos and ants on parade? Well, if you think THAT'S the way picnicking is, we challenge you to a sophisticated brunch or lunch picnic makeover! 

When the beach, winery, boat or park is calling, answer the call with a perfectly-planned brunch or lunch outdoors, but with all the victuals and comforts of a table side meal.

This time of year makes for a perfect fresh-air feast, but an "elite" lifestyle demands a change in venue, menu and activities to enhance your outdoor agenda and take  you from a "picnic" to a sophisticated outdoor dining experience, with just a few small considerations that will elevate your entire experience. 

The Venue (Location)
​
Picnics don't have to be limited to a park or picnic table. If a fresh-air feast is on your mind, consider upping the ante by choosing an unusual location (such as a new trailhead, winery, or waterfront lookout point), changing up the picnic menu, and adding some interesting activities to your picnic agenda. 

Here’s how:

• Think outside of a park setting. Maybe you would like to hike-in to a destination overlooking the falls, or pick a bench near a fountain, sit across a stadium or amphitheater, plop down under a climbing rock or hot air balloon launch site, or simply pick a grassy area in your own backyard!  Atmosphere, not location, is what’s important when selecting a picnic spot.  
• Add your own atmosphere.  Maybe you are lucky enough to find a picnic location near live music or street performers.  If not, consider bringing along your own music to set the tone of your picnic retreat. 
• Enhance the experience with comforts of home like fluffy blankets, pillows, centerpieces, flowers or aesthetics that might elevate the experience. Other ways to make your picnic feel more elite include stemware, silverware or decorate plastic plates.
• Consider other picnic “buggers.” Consider picking a spot with lots of shade if it’s a particularly warm day, lots of sun on a colder day. Also, consider things like which locations are bug-ridden, muddy, or have lots of clapping geese or seagulls before laying out your picnic blanket.

The Menu

Lunch and brunch are the best picnic meals to consider for your sophisticated outdoor dining experience. While there are some basic rules to selecting menu items like choosing handheld, non-saucy, single dish cold foods--don't feel isolated to those rules! Try something new, and use clever ways to keep your picnic foods looking delicious, staying warm or keeping from getting soggy. For example, bento containers keep food from shifting around. Disposable containers make for easy clean up. Thermoses and ice chests keep things cool, but also can help keep things warm, too! And separating your foods from sauces before consumption prevents soggy bread and veggies.

All of these considerations allow you to think outside the standard picnic and incorporate some delicious and unique recipes for your sophisticated outdoor experience. And, when you combine these swanky recipes with the robust, velvety flavor of Steakhouse Elite Kobe-Crafted beef, the result is a next-level elevated lunch or brunch picnic experience.

Brunch Recipes

Beef-stuffed Breakfast Burritos (a silverware-free version of egg breakfast)
Cheeseburger on an English Muffin (what's more brunchy than breakfast AND lunch?)
Brunch Beef Strata (it's an beefy egg casserole!)

Lunch Recipes

Layered Beef Salad Shakers (salad beautifully layered in a mason jar--just shake and serve!)
PB&J Wraps with Steakhouse Elite Beef (a protein-rich version of the traditional PB&J)
Greek Meatball Subs (a Greek twist on a fancy Italian sandwich)

Other (Non-Beef) Picnic Munchables:

Trail mix
Charcuterie Board
S'Mores (Use chocolate frosting instead of chocolate bars)
Fresh or Dried Fruits
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Beef Jerky and String Cheese
Hummus and Fresh Vegetables
Sparkling Juice, Infused Water, Mimosas (champagne and juice), Wine

What to Pack

Finally, the key to the perfect picnic is preparedness. Comfort comes from thoughtfulness and adequate preparation, so be sure to throw the following items into the trunk of your car before your brunch or lunch picnic.

• Food and drink
• Utensils (especially ones needed for serving or spreading condiments)
• Napkins
• Non-glass drinking containers
• A bag for garbage
• Sun block
• Water
• Ice packs to keep food cold
• Activities. Consider packing a bug exploring kit or bat and ball for the kids, or you can improvise with an impromptu scavenger hunt.  For an adults-only picnic, consider downloading question/answer game such as Table Topics or Scattegories (available through your App Store)

So, how do you enjoy a bougie, sophisticated picnic? You start with the location, the atmosphere, the menu and packing all the essentials and mix it with the next-level flavor of recipes infused with Steakhouse Elite for a picnic worthy of impressing anyone!