He Served Higher Quality Steaks to His Parents Than His In-Laws, but an Accidental Switch-up at a Family Gathering Exposed His Secret.

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In a battle of tastes and tradition, the Original Poster (OP) navigates the intricacies of his and his wife’s differing family culinary preferences. His journey finds him contending with his in-laws’ inclination for well-done steak versus his and his parents’ penchant for prime cuts cooked medium rare, leading to a climactic dinner with both families present. The tension mounts as the Wagyu steak hits the grill, promising a resolution that could either unite or divide their culinary worlds forever.

The Distance Between Us

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OP and his wife lived miles away from their families. However, the distance did not hinder family visits, which happened several times a year. Even from afar, the contrasting culinary preferences of both families came to light.

A Tale of Two Kitchens

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OP’s parents were true food enthusiasts who loved experimenting with ingredients. They loved fine dining and would plan their holidays around exquisite restaurants. Meanwhile, OP’s in-laws had a simpler palette, where boiling chicken drumsticks was considered a delicacy.

The Well-Done Misunderstanding

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OP’s first dinner at his in-laws’ house introduced him to their love for well-done steaks. No choice was offered on the steaks’ doneness; everyone received a well-done piece. It was then that OP realized they had drastically different preferences for dining.

The Culinary Conversion

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After years of persuasion, OP’s wife finally agreed to try a medium-rare steak. This was a considerable change, considering her upbringing surrounded by well-done meat lovers. Surprisingly, she thoroughly enjoyed the less-cooked version.

The Unfortunate Barbecue

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When the in-laws visited OP’s house after they moved in together, he decided to treat them with prime steaks. He prepared theirs medium-well, which was a compromise that caused him some emotional distress. His father-in-law, however, took the steaks back to the grill and cooked them until they were well-done, leading OP to decide on lower-quality meat for future visits.

The Select Meat Solution

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OP decided to purchase select-grade meat for his in-laws to avoid the disappointment of watching prime cuts being overcooked. This way, he could save the high-quality beef for those who appreciated it. Despite the practicality, this decision stirred some conflict within his household.

The Luxury of Wagyu

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OP took great pleasure in purchasing high-quality Wagyu for his parents’ visits. This wasn’t a regular event but a special treat that happened once a year. His parents appreciated the fine dining experience at home, enhancing their annual visits.

The Unfair Treatment Debate

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OP’s wife took issue with the difference in the meat quality served to their families. She believed that her husband was unfair by not treating both sets of parents equally. The divide in the kitchen started to seep into their relationship.

The Value of Food

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OP felt spending money on superior quality food that his in-laws wouldn’t appreciate was unnecessary. He believed it was not about equal treatment but respecting the food and its proper preparation.

A Surprise Visit

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One day, OP’s parents decided to visit unannounced while his in-laws were already visiting. Suddenly, the couple faced a unique situation: cooking for both sets of parents at once. The tension in the kitchen was tangible, putting both OP and his wife on edge.

The Blended Meal

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OP decided to make steaks for everyone, using two different cuts of meat. He cooked the prime steak for his parents and the select-grade for his in-laws. Each steak was cooked to the preferred doneness, respecting each family’s culinary preferences.

The Unexpected Mix-Up

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The steaks were mixed up in the flurry of serving, and the prime steaks were served to the in-laws. OP was mortified to see his prime steaks reach the wrong plates. The in-laws didn’t notice the difference, appreciating the meal, nonetheless.

The Silent Approval

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The in-laws were surprisingly pleased with their steaks, commenting on the exceptional flavor. They were unaware of the mix-up, but their appreciation of the high-quality meat was evident. This incident left OP questioning his preconceptions about their culinary preferences.

The Heartfelt Conversation

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OP confessed to his wife about the mix-up that had happened during dinner. He told her about their unexpected appreciation of the prime steak, expressing his surprise. This moment of honesty was a breakthrough in their ongoing culinary debate.

The Culinary Experiment

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OP took a chance and bought prime steak for his in-laws on their next visit, cooking it medium-well. Much to his astonishment, they enjoyed their meal and complimented him on the steak. He realized that the type of meat mattered less than how it was cooked.

Was The Man’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posted his story online for feedback. The readers in the community forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

One reader said, “I do not see the point in paying for expensive steak for someone who wants it served as burnt offerings. They certainly won’t understand the difference.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “Stop serving steak to your in-laws. You are being snobby about meat and giving her parents food you know is lower quality on purpose. She’s right. It’s disrespectful.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “A burned hunk of select steak tastes the same as a burned hunk of Wagyul. This is a financial decision based on the tastes of your guests.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “Start grilling chicken or make a turkey or a ham – stuff reserved for holidays and celebrations. That way, they feel special, and you don’t waste quality steaks that someone else would appreciate more.”