John Myers
Have you ever heard of the mayoral play? Admittedly, the term sounds a bit bizarre at first. In terms of its fine taste, this piece of meat has honestly earned its name.
History
The mayor’s cut is considered one of the most delicious parts of beef. For this reason, it used to be reserved exclusively for wealthy citizens. The butcher reserved it, especially for the mayor. But also ecclesiastical offices such as pastors had a right to the expensive enjoyment. Hence the alternative epithet of the pastor’s play.
Origin
Although the Tri Tip is also widespread in Germany, it originally comes from the USA, where the butcher Bob Schutz is said to have “invented” it in 1950. It came about more or less by accident. During a routine inventory, the meat dealer found that he had too much minced and stewed meat, but was lacking in steaks. Out of distress, he put beef muscle on the grill. Refined with salt, pepper, and a little garlic, the improvisation ended up on the plates of his guests, where it initially earned skepticism. Even Schutz initially feared that the muscle meat was too tough. But the tasting revealed the opposite.
Extraction
The mayor’s play is a special cut. The lady’s slipper comes exclusively from cattle.
Butchers get the expensive meat from the muscle above the ball of the mace. Each animal thus provides only two Tri Tips.
Characteristics
Since it is exclusively muscle meat, the lady’s slipper is characterized by its delicate texture. In addition, the leg meat is marbled. It is therefore a meat product with a high intramuscular fat content. Thus, this delicacy is considered one of the highest quality parts of beef. The fine taste and the unmistakable juiciness are characteristic features.
Use
Thanks to its delicate characteristics, this piece of meat is ideal for cooking
- roast meat
- stew
- or process into slices
Connoisseurs also cook it sous vide, i.e. in a vacuum in a water bath. In addition, the original form of preparation on the grill is still very popular today. At the next BBQ party, a mayor piece from the butcher is definitely the highlight. Ask for a couple of steak-sized Tri-Tips for this so that the cooking time doesn’t take too long. The Tri Tip should also be sliced rather thinly for pan frying.
Even if mayor’s meat is considered very valuable and has a proud price, the popular boiled fillet is still a bit more expensive. The tender muscle meat is considered a cheap alternative and comes very close to the taste of boiled beef. In addition, it is much faster to cook.
Tip: If you’re preparing your beef on the grill, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. In this way, the juice can be distributed ideally and the steak develops even more aroma.
