Based in Akron, Ohio, John Stack guides Oakmont Education, where he delivers vocational training to local students. Also heading up Diamond Grille, a longstanding Akron restaurant, John Stack offers classic American fare such as royal filet mignon.

Filet mignon is a tender cut of lean beef procured from the tenderloin. Situated near the cow’s spine, the tenderloin is a muscle between the sirloin and top sirloin, known for offering the best flavor. With 29 grams of protein and 255 calories, a four-ounce portion of filet mignon only has 5 grams of fat. It offers a host of nutrients, including selenium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

There are many ways of cooking filet mignon. One classic method starts with a marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and green onions. After leaving the full steak refrigerated and marinating for 8 hours, the marinade is poured into a saucepan and reduced. At the same time, the steak is baked in a roasting pan for nearly an hour at 400 degrees. The reduced marinade is used to occasionally baste the meat as it cooks. Finally, the filet mignon is removed from the oven and allowed to stand about 10 minutes before slicing.