Can anyone confirm the response I received from AI regarding the optimum size/weight of steak that I should order for 2 average eaters. This was the response I received from AI: *"Most restaurants in Tuscany have a minimum order of 1kg. For two people, you should order 1 to 1.3 kilograms (about 2.2 to 2.8 pounds) of Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7237 posts
Sounds about right. Those Tbone or porterhouse steaks are THICK! Usually around 2" or more. You just can't get a tbone steak of that thickness for less than a kg. And dont forget that includes the bone, which can account for up to a quarter of the weight.
And while you didn't ask, the bistecca we has on our last visit was positively blissful. I would have gnawed on the bone if we hadn't been in a restaurant.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17746 posts
It has to be at least 800 grams to be considered a "Fiorentina" but typically it's always over 1 kg (maybe 1.2kg).
It has to be about 4 to 6cm thick for the perfect "rare" cooking (so 5cm or 2 inches is the average). That is appropriate for 2 people, actually my wife and I can hardly finish it (and I'm above average eater), so I wish I could have a 3rd person to share it with.
It's a lot, basically, even net of the bone, you are looking at more than 1 pound of meat per person.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8751 posts
Your server will likely also help to find a reasonable cut from their available inventory that night. The meat will be brought to your table, raw, for inspection and approval before it’s cooked.
Posted by
OP
New Jersey
266 posts
Thank you, everyone -- your confirmation is much appreciated! Yes, that is going to be a lot of meat for two. Maybe we can find a dog to share it with (LOL).
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3234 posts
We did the bistecca in Siena and it was wonderful. Order a side, like a potato dish.
Posted by
new york
1498 posts
Can't you just ask the waiter for the smallest bistecca, one that will feed two diners?