A Seasonal Steak Playbook

By Chef Steve Coppolillo – Co-Founder, Owner, & CCO

Steak is timeless. The plate doesn’t have to be.

If you want steakhouse flavor without the “too heavy” finish, build the meal with three seasonal levers: produce, herbs, and acidity. Then choose a wine that supports the entire dish.

Step 1: Add seasonal contrast with produce

Steak brings richness and savory depth. Seasonal vegetables bring contrast—crunch, sweetness, brightness, and color.

When produce is in season, it’s naturally more flavorful, so it needs less butter, less sauce, and less fuss. Simple cooking keeps the plate lighter and the steak more prominent.

Seasonal ideas:

• Spring: asparagus, peas, fava beans, radishes, morels Quick char + lemon.

• Summer: tomatoes, corn, zucchini, peppers, stone fruit Fresh salads + grilled veg.

• Fall: mushrooms, squash, Brussels sprouts, apples, pears Roast for sweetness.

• Winter: broccolini, carrots, beets, cabbage, citrus Char + vinegar/citrus.

Step 2: Swap heavy sauces for herb-forward “lift”

Herb sauces are one of the easiest ways to make steak feel fresher. They add aroma and acidity, and they don’t cover up the beef.

Four sauce directions that work:

• Chimichurri-style: parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar

• Salsa verde: herbs, capers, lemon, olive oil

• Basil/arugula herb oil: softer, aromatic, clean

• Rosemary-garlic pan juices: simple, savory, finished with lemon

Quick check: if your herb sauce tastes “flat,” it’s almost always missing acid or salt.

Step 3: Choose wine for the plate—not just the steak

Bold reds are the default, but they’re not always the best match when you’re using herbs, citrus, and seasonal vegetables.

Lighter reds to try

• Pinot Noir

• Barbera

• Grenache (lighter styles)

• Frappato (and other light Italian reds)

Whites that can surprise you (in a good way)

• Chardonnay (unoaked/lightly oaked)

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Vermentino

• Dry Riesling

The “seasonal steakhouse” balance

A great seasonal steak dish usually hits:

• Richness (the steak)

• Brightness (produce)

• Freshness (herbs)

• Lift (acid in sauce and/or wine)

Final thought

Steak will always be indulgent—but it can be indulgent and balanced. Seasonal produce, herb sauces, and lighter wines make the whole experience feel cleaner, fresher, and more intentional.

Dining with us? Ask what’s in season and what herb sauces we’re featuring right now—and don’t be afraid to go lighter on the wine pairing.