Flat Iron Steak Salad After A Day At Flatiron Crossing Mall

A couple of years ago, JCPenney was running their back-to-school marketing campaign.  Their tag line was "Don't Just Go Back....Arrive".  Simply put, you can't just show up back to school for the new year, you need to "arrive" and make a statement.  The first day of school is the most important one - it can define the rest of your school year and your life (well, if you are a 14 year old incoming freshman that is).

I remember when I was growing up and coming into my pre-teen years (I am dating myself here) in Alaska, we really didn't have much of a selection for teen boutiques or department store shopping.  My mom would get the latest Sears and JCPenney catalogs in the spring.  I would sit down and dog ear the latest trends and styles and dream of walking through the school hallways looking my best.  She would place the order and a month later we would get the phone call (on our rotary phone at home of course) that our order had arrived.

I was so excited!  The rest of the weekend I would be trying on all my stylish outfits.  Of course I would have to do the full fashion show in our living room so that my family could see how fabulous I was going to look that first day of school.

Fast forward.....I don't know the last time I saw a Sears or JCPenney catalog - do they even exist anymore? Today it's all about the mall experience....walking 17 miles to check out all 223 stores (well, maybe I am exaggerating a little).

The Beautiful Broomfield Flatiron Crossing Mall

There is an amazing mall here in Broomfield, Flatiron Crossing Mall.  To my twin teenagers, it is a shopping haven.  All the latest, greatest, stylish fashions for them to "Arrive" this year as they head into high school for the first time.  This is not just any mall though, it is an architectural masterpiece....many Frank Lloyd Wright inspirations as I stroll and wait...and wait...and wait for the many fashionista trips to the various dressing rooms.

At the end of a very long day of shopping, momma needs a hearty salad and a glass of wine! I did just finish walking 17 miles, after all.

Flat Iron Steak Salad

1 - 3 lb. flat iron steak
Your Favorite Marinade (we used McCormick's Grill Mates Brown Sugar & Bourbon)
1 Head Romaine Lettuce
1/2 Red Onion (thinly sliced)
2 Roma Tomatoes Diced
8 oz Mushrooms
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
2 Tbl. Butter
6 oz. Crumbled Blue Cheese
Italian Salad Dressing

Marinade the steak according to package directions (I let it marinade the full day).
Grill steak to desired doneness.

Cut mushrooms in quarters and saute in garlic and butter.  While mushrooms are cooking, chop lettuce and plate it.  Top with onions, tomatoes, mushrooms and finish with the blue cheese crumbles.  Drizzle with your favorite Italian salad dressing.

Tonight we corked Big House's Cardinal (Old Vine) Zin - a great compliment to the steak.

Time to put up your feet tonight, relax and know that you have successfully arrived!