We have all experienced situations in life that didn’t happen quite like we had imagined or intended. Sometimes it’s the unforeseen and unavoidable that forces us to change course. And other times we can spot it all coming at us from a mile away and we still end up doing the opposite of what we’d planned to do. The latter is exactly what happened to Kim and me two weeks ago at Ted’s Montana Grill – the bison focused grill house located in the heart of New York City’s midtown.
See what had happened was we really wanted to stick to the J.J. Smith 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse; especially since we were halfway to the finish line. Five days down of consuming nothing but veggie smoothies (kale, spring mix greens, spinach) blended with fruit (strawberries, mangos, blueberries). Only five more days to go. Trust me we were all set to complete it until a change to our plans came along – a tasty change at Ted’s Montana Grill backed by a worthy cause, No Kid Hungry.
EAT GREAT. DO GOOD.
Ted’s Montana Grill invited Beauty and the Bump to learn about its partnership with the No Kid Hungry charity. Ted’s has a wonderful formula for success. The Atlanta based restaurant chain has 44 restaurants in 16 states and truly lives up to its motto: “Eat great. Do good.” Each September each Ted’s Montana Grill location raises awareness and funds to help end childhood hunger in two helpful ways. First, a portion from each sale of the Ted’s Montana Grill house wine (includes by the glass as well as bottles) goes directly to No Kid Hungry. Secondly, Ted’s accepts donations from its patrons. Again, these donations go directly to No Kid Hungry.
THE TEAM AT TED’S
Before I give you the details of what we ordered, I first have to give massive props to the proprietor of Ted’s Montana Grill in New York City, Brianne, and its senior manager, Elio. I tell you everywhere we go Kim and I always seem to meet good people; abroad, domestically, and of course locally here at home in New York City. Brianne and Elio were so gracious and took care of us. Plus, they’re all in when it comes to promoting the cause of ending childhood hunger. I also have to mention our server for the afternoon, Assante. His attitude and sense of humor made what would be a absolutely delicious meal all the more enjoyable. Kim and I will be requesting Assante whenever we make future reservations at Ted’s.
THE MENU AT TED’S
Now to the menu. Ted’s Montana Grill specializes in bison but serves seafood and beef too. Did you know bison is a healthier alternative to beef when comparing the calories, grams of fat, and protein? Bison boasts more protein than beef plus contains less grams of fat and less calories than its cow counterpart. I offered you these tidbits and details to make this point: if I’m breaking my green smoothie regiment I’m not half-stepping. I’m going all the way with it and enjoying an incredible steak plus at the same time doing it for the kids. Especially since steak is my favorite food group! And especially since we love the kids! The Green Smoothie Cleanse didn’t stand a chance. Oh well, let’s eat!
THE APPETIZERS
The appetizers set the tone of what we were in for. Assante brought out the Grilled Shrimp over Garlic Parmesan Ciabatta for Kim. I started with a bowl of Karen’s “Flying-D” Bison Chili. I don’t know what the “Flying-D” part stands for, but I do know that this was some D-amn good chili. It had just the right amount of heat and all the flavor I love in a fantastic chili. Kim was kind enough to share one shrimp with me. Just one. I took what I could get. But the combination of the garlic parmesan ciabatta and that one shrimp was tasty.
THE DRINKS
In between the apps and the entrees we polished off the first round of drinks. Kim finished her Montana Margarita which featured Grand Marnier. Kim loves Grand Marnier in just about any mixed drink but the distinguishing difference in this margarita – and all of Ted’s margaritas – has to be the freshly squeezed sour mix. Staying in the margarita lane for the second round she had the Huckleberry Margarita next. Hey, she loves her margaritas. I ordered another Ted’s house red. My wine ended up being the perfect complement to my steak.
THE MAIN COURSE
I think I heard an angel strumming a harp when my Bone-In Bison Delmonico Ribeye Steak seasoned in a special coffee rub arrived. I might have shed a tear. I might have. A green smoothie was the farthest thing from my mind. I took a sip of red wine and got to work. Kim chose the Crab Cake Sandwich. All of you crab cake lovers should be happy to know that Ted’s one is made with real jumbo lump crab meat. Served with sweet potato fries, it’s the real deal!
THE GIVEAWAY
The irony doesn’t escape me that I am here recounting such a satisfying meal with you when the reason for the invite was to highlight the needs of children who go without enough food day in and day out. I am sensitive to the following facts.
One in five kids in America suffers from hunger. One in five kids don’t get the food they need everyday. This takes a terrible toll on their health and development, and threatens their futures in profound ways. No Kid Hungry was created to connect millions of at-risk children in this country to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
The wine we ordered contributed to No Kid Hungry. We also made a donation at the end of our meal. With that donation came a few gifts from Brianne and Elio that we’d like to share with you, the readers of Beauty and the Bump.
Seven (7) Lucky Winners will Win $5 off your visit to Ted’s Montana Grill. Giveaway ends on 10/11/2016 at 11:59 p.m. Offer expires 10/30/2016.
Eat great and do good y’all. Be well.
Disclosure: A complimentary meal was provided to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own and are honest.