The US Secretary of Education referred to AI as ‘A1,’ like the steak sauce

We'll, it is THE acronym, not just some acronym.

But you're right, the other things happening are on another level...

Although, when that pronunciation indicates that have no idea what it means...

I know a guy named AL and I read his name as Ai every time.

Horse shit

People like what they like, it isn't an insult

Ever had steak diane? Steak au poivre?

How about gremolata, chimmichuri, creamed mushrooms, caramelized onions, wine and balsamic reductions?

Hell, just salt and fucking pepper alter the flavor of the beef.

No need for food snobbery at all.

The only problem with people using bottled sauces is that it may not be equally effective for their needs if it isn't the right cut of steak. An a1 type of sauce gives a different end flavor on something like a rib eye than a filet because the fat levels and "beefiness" aren't the same.

Now, me? If I want steak, I want steak, not sauces, so the most I'm going to put on top is something like a pan sauce where I deglaze with bourbon and let it reduce enough to nix the alcohol flavor but still pick up the fond.

But that's me. I ain't mad at anyone having food the way they like it; might not be willing to buy a filet for someone that insists on well done for everything, but I'll be glad to hook them up with a cut that works when well done so that I'm not wasting money on something they won't enjoy as much.

I mean, chef cousin bubba puts it in his own steak too, so it's probably ok

A little bit of that and Heinz 57 in burgers is spectacular, though. It also helps makes a relative's overdone entree tolerable.