Ingredients

For the Steak

4 new york strip steaks, each about 1 1/2 inches thick
2 pound wild mushrooms, trimmed, brushed clean with a towel and stemmed, caps left whole
1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1/4 cup brandy
1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Oven Fries

4 new york strip steaks, each about 1 1/2 inches thick
2 pound wild mushrooms, trimmed, brushed clean with a towel and stemmed, caps left whole
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/4 cup brandy
1/2 cup heavy cream

2 russet potatoes, cut in half lengthwise, halves cut lengthwise into fourths to make 16 big, fat wedges
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
2 tablespoon chopped parsley

Preparation

Baking Directions:

For the steak:First, get the fries in the oven.

When the potatoes have cooked 5 minutes, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until smoking.

Sprinkle the steaks all over with salt and pepper.

Put the steaks in the pan and cook, turning to brown all sides completely, until medium-rare, 8 to 10 minutes depending on how thick the steaks are.

Remove the steaks to a platter with tongs and cover loosely with a tent of aluminum foil to keep the meat warm while you make the sauce.

Put the sauté pan back over medium-high heat and add 1/4 cup olive oil.

When the oil is smoking, add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, about 10 minutes, until golden brown.

Then add the thyme and garlic, and season well with salt and pepper.

Toss a few more times to cook the garlic, then dump the mushrooms out onto a platter.

Take the pan off the heat, add the brandy, and cook until almost evaporated.

Add the cream and cook that down 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by about one-half and thickened.

Return the mushrooms to the pan with whatever juices have collected on the platter and simmer the whole thing another 2 minutes until thickened again.

Season with salt and pepper.

Slice the steak thin against the grain.

Taste the sauce for salt and pepper and serve with the steak and fries.

For the Fries:Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Toss the potatoes with the olive oil and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.

Then dump the potatoes out onto a baking sheet, spreading to a single layer.

Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, shaking the pan every now and then, until the potatoes are cooked through, brown and crispy.

Toss the fries in a big bowl with the parsley and cheese.