What is it about steakhouses that bring on a feeling of warm homeyness? The kind of feeling that for some reason, doesn’t actually exist in actual homes? When I think “Steakhouse” my head fills with scents of herbs, sautéed butter and garlic poured delicately over perfectly seared meats. This combined with the magical aromas of decades worth of smokes and vapors absorbed into the dark wood of the floors, walls and thick curtains. I envision sinking into a deep leather chair, cozied against a roaring fire and being handed a fork and a serrated knife that would rival only Crocodile Dundee’s or Rambo himself, in size and utility. Then as wave after wave of food is brought out, I gorge myself far beyond contentedness and cross over into a coma of consumed bliss.
This dream is just that. A dream. From the perspective of a parent, even the idea that I might have the free time to indulge in such a heaven is far fetched. The closest I come to the envisioned steakhouse experience is, perhaps, the fire. Not an actual one, but I’m constantly cozying up to, and extinguishing multiple proverbial fires set by my kids all throughout the day. From forgotten homeworks to fights about toys or fights about no toys and beyond to battles over showers, teeth brushing and what the kids will or will not eat on any given hour, the thought of a paradise like an evening in a steakhouse is as far fetched as hoping I might have a shower with only seven interruptions. Clearly, we are talking the impossible here.
But why should I be deprived? Especially when I can make this happen for myself. So instead of making a trek TO a steakhouse, I’m bringing the steakhouse to me! I can do this, no problem. And with enough bamboozlement, I can get my kids in on the action without them even knowing that I’ll be the sole recipient of all the good our steakhouse has to offer. I’m going to transform a section of my living room into the steakhouse I envision, and I am going to enjoy every relaxing moment of it. First, I’ll have to convince my son that being a waiter for me will be pure awesomeness. I mean, it probably is for most waiters. I’m pretty fantastic. I’ll just have to make sure he knows it and responds with enthusiasm. My daughter’s roll will come as I dine. What Steakhouse doesn’t have ambience? Well she’s been taking violin lessons and I plan on having my own personal concert. Other than their main roles in this endeavor, they will also help me with the setup and breakdown of Quinn’s (obviously the name of my establishment.)
The hardest part of the entire thing would have been actually cooking up a full meal fit for my newly formed restaurant. I can’t exactly send my 7 year old into the kitchen and bark my order athim. Not that I’m afraid of what will happen to him. I’m sure he’ll be fine. It’s more of a concern about my food. 7 year olds have ghastly palates. Luckily, I have Idahoan® Premium Steakhouse® Potato Soups on my side for this. All I have to do is add water and cook. In 5 minutes I will have Steakhouse quality soup and I plan on having a variety of it. The soups are made with 100% real Idaho® potatoes and even have flakes of potato skins in them. Tonight’s menu will call for some Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup and some of the Loaded Potato Soup. I’ll sit by the fire, allow the magnificent aroma of the soups to fill my head and enjoy every drop of this stupendous feast. Best of all, I’ll be served by my kids, who, all the while think they are having fun. Little will they know, my night at my own personal Steakhouse is the real fun.
Making the soup is easy, but creating the ambience to match is the hard part. Life of Dad and Idahoan® are looking to find the #King Of Soup. Dads from all over the country are turning their places into the Steakhouse of their dreams and one of them will be crowned the #KingOfSoup and walk away with a $250 grand prize. Along with the magnificent title. Follow the group of guys vying for the title and let us know who you think should be #KingOfSoup!
I have partnered with Life of Dad and Idahoan® Foods for this campaign, but my opinions are my own.