Moving to the Shoals from Huntsville, I had only one thing in mind: What was I going to do without my Steak Out? I got to a point where I was having Steak Out bi-weekly. I mean, after all, I am the laziest person in America. I thought Heaven’s doors had opened when I glanced over and saw a Steak & Stuff sign on Florence Blvd. Could this be true? I began contemplating how living in Florence may not be too bad after all.

Owned and operated by Tim and Terry Rhodes, Steak & Stuff delivers steak to your front door already cooked. Unlike big corporations that overcharge customers, Steak & Stuff wants to offer the customers better and affordable food.

They mainly specialize in delivery, which is why I specialize in eating here, but recently opened a dine-in area that seats 25 people at seven tables. Steak & Stuff has been serving the Shoals area for four years, opening back in July of 2006.

The name holds truth to the menu with entrees of ribeye, sirloin and chopped steak; sandwiches, salads and sides make up the “stuff.” They also offer a great lunch special featuring chopped steak to sirloin tips until 4 p.m. for $8.30. This includes a side salad, baked potato and a roll with butter.

As I am trying to stay healthy in this glorious year of 2011, I ordered the grilled chicken salad. I normally order this at Steak Out because the ranch dressing mixed with the mouth-watering grilled chicken is breathtaking.

After ordering this from Steak & Stuff, if possible, I would like to say that it exceeded my expectations. Talk about a fresh salad! The tomatoes looked like they had picked them that morning.

I don’t know how this is even possible, but the ranch almost matched Steak Out’s. I could literally eat a cup of this ranch, and don’t think you wouldn’t either after trying it.

The lettuce in the salad is so crisp it makes me want to eat it all in one bite, but unfortunately the lettuce pieces are so big that I could stick my fork in it and pull all the lettuce out. Some knife cutting and ranch to hide that fact works miracles, though.

I give Steak & Stuff five out of five stars for being the brains of the Shoals and opening a restaurant that I eat at every day. Not only for this reason, but the staff is wonderful and friendly and, well, I already told you about the food. Don’t forget: if you pick up your order, you get a free drink!