Good Taste

The Beam Yard at the Steel Club

Written by Lenora Dannelke

Fee-free Dining Membership puts an egalitarian spin on eating, drinking—and having fun—at the graciously gregarious Steel Club.

WE LOVE

An ample list of cross-cultural starters sends a brain-to-stomach message akin to “Gentlemen, start your engines.” Asian, Italian, Latin, and classic American flavors all promise gustatory gratification, and seasonal updates keep options fresh and interesting. However, steak enthusiasts can count on one steadfast protein-driven prelude to dinner: Blackened Beef Tips. Flavorful, lean, and lusciously tender, these bite-size chunks—cut from the tapered tip of a whole beef tenderloin—get a piquant kick from a Cajun spice rub before hitting the pan for a quick sear. Sides of BBQ sauce and garlic aioli add dipping pleasure. For an alternate version of this dish, dig into a blue cheese-laced Black & Blue salad.

CHEERS

Consider the Beam Yard a playground—or training ground—for beer geeks. An impressive collection of 24 rotating taps, assembled by Food and Beverage Director Diana Mantore, rounds up trend-setting, seasonal, and limited release brews, spanning imports to local crafts from Saucony Creek, Sly Fox, Funk, and Lost Tavern, along with familiar standards and bottled beers. (No snobbery here!) Five-ounce-pour options enable guests to sample the latest tastes or build a personalized flight of ales, stouts, hoppy libations, and other styles. Stay informed on current offerings at BeerMenus.com. Of course, non-beer drinkers may choose from an extensive wine list, top-shelf whiskeys, and signature cocktails.

WHAT’S THE VIBE LIKE?

A massive steel truss suspended from the restaurant’s coffered ceiling serves as a functional centerpiece for displaying bottles and TVs above the 100-foot bar—while also paying tribute to the club’s industrial-heyday origins. Cozy, high-backed privacy booths along the walls offer relaxed intimacy, while the adjacent Eugene Grace room provides a sophisticated setting for fine dining on weekends. In balmy weather, a glass-doored wall folds back for a fresh air connection to the spacious patio—shaded by an ample new canopy—and its idyllic golf course views.

Q&A WITH THE BEAM YARD

HOW DOES THE FEE-FREE DINING MEMBERSHIP WORK?

To enjoy all dining amenities and events, just submit an application that’s available online. There’s no cost to join or monthly minimum to meet. And progressive social networking keeps you apprised of our busy calendar.

WHAT KIND OF EVENTS DO YOU HOST?

We have some kind of feature daily, including live music, Date Night dinner wine deals, and Sunday brunch. Periodic diversions range from wine, whiskey, and beer tastings and pairings to an indoor putting contest and Sip & Paint parties. Families appreciate Dinner & a Movie Night, where children get a kid-friendly meal, play games, and watch a flick (with staff supervision) while parents share a dinner sans offspring distractions.

ANY RECENT CHANGES TO THE MENU?

Executive Chef Michael Honeywell and his culinary team pool their creative talents to present tantalizing Weekend Specials that occasionally take a thematic approach—focusing on Portuguese, Italian, and other exploration-worthy cuisines.

WHAT’S NEW AT THE STEEL CLUB?

Bistro Street, a café-style dining and entertaining venue, will be unveiled in the near future. The enclosed concourse between the back of the main clubhouse and the annex building—which is becoming a sports training and fitness center—offers easy access to the swimming pool and an upcoming year-round driving range.

DO YOU HOST PRIVATE FUNCTIONS?

Steel Club venues accommodate business meetings for 5 people, ballroom weddings for 220 guests, and everything in between. The new Bistro Street welcomes up to 600 attendees.

WHAT’S THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE?

For verdant views, General Manager Tom Butera recommends getting comfy in one of the Adirondack chairs that adorn the lawn beyond the patio, which leads to the practice putting green. Having a house-specialty Smoke & Spice Margarita in hand takes relaxation to the next level.

THE BEAM YARD AT THE STEEL CLUB

700 Linden Avenue | Hellertown
610.838.7018 | www.steel.club

Blackend Beef Tips Recipe

INGREDIENTS

3 T blackened seasoning (below)
1 lb. beef tenderloin tips,* cut into 1/2–1 oz. cubes
2 T canola oil

Blackened seasoning:

4 T (1/4 cup) paprika
4 T (1/4 cup) salt
4 tsp. garlic powder
4 tsp. cayenne powder
2 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. dried chives
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. white peppercorns, cracked
1 tsp. black peppercorns, cracked
1 tsp. green peppercorns, cracked
1 tsp. red peppercorns, cracked

*This cut is recommended for tenderness.

DIRECTIONS

Place the blackened seasoning in a bowl and toss the beef tips to coat all sides. Pour canola oil into a sauté pan and warm over medium heat. Place seasoned beef tips in pan and cook on all sides to desired temperature. Transfer tips to serving plates with mixed greens and accompany with your favorite BBQ sauce.

For the blackened seasoning: Mix all ingredients and store at room temperature in an airtight container. Yields almost 1 cup. This mix is also great for blackening seafood or adding zest to sauces, dips, soups and other savory dishes.

Serves 2-4

Beam Yard Bread Pudding Recipe

INGREDIENTS

6 oz. Italian or French bread, torn in pieces (4–5 cups)
3 cups + 1 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1 T vanilla extract
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Chocolate sauce or raspberries, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 11x7x2-inch baking pan. Place bread in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk 3 cups of milk with eggs and vanilla. Pour mixture over bread and stir gently to combine. Set aside.

In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, remaining 1 cup milk, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Warm mixture over medium heat until peanut butter is melted; stir to blend. Pour peanut butter mixture into bread mixture and fold together until evenly incorporated. (Also add mini chocolate chips, if using.) Turn mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until set. After removing from oven, allow bread pudding to rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish individual portions with chocolate sauce or raspberries, as desired.

serves 8