National Filet Mignon Day 🥩

Overview

National Filet Mignon Day, celebrated annually on August 13th, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to appreciating one of the most prized cuts of beef. Filet mignon, French for 'dainty fillet,' is renowned for its exceptional tenderness, buttery texture, and mild flavor, derived from the small end of the beef tenderloin. The day encourages enthusiasts to indulge in this luxurious steak, whether prepared at home or enjoyed at a restaurant, celebrating its culinary appeal.

Origin and story

The term 'filet mignon' is French for 'dainty fillet,' reflecting its delicate nature and smaller size.

Filet mignon comes from the very tender, non-weight-bearing psoas major muscle, located in the short loin of the cow.

Quick facts

• DateAugust 13
• TypeCultural / community observance
• Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

The French name is real, but the dish's American fame took a different route than most people assume.

Trace the cut's aristocratic past

The tenderloin has been prized for its tenderness since medieval Europe, where it was often reserved for royalty and nobility long before "filet mignon" was a menu item anywhere.

Know the French took on the name

In France, "filet mignon" typically refers to pork or veal tenderloin, not beef — in the U.S., the term became attached specifically to the small end of the beef tenderloin, a naming split that still confuses menus on both sides of the Atlantic.

Read the fuller story

Helpful resources:

• Filet Mignon's Name Wasn't Coined by the French (Tasting Table)

Did you know?

Around 1822, chef Montmireil prepared a thick center-cut tenderloin for French diplomat François-René de Chateaubriand — the dish still bears his name today, and it's cut from the same tenderloin as filet mignon.

Fun facts

• The term 'filet mignon' is French for 'dainty fillet,' reflecting its delicate nature and smaller size.
• Filet mignon comes from the very tender, non-weight-bearing psoas major muscle, located in the short loin of the cow.
• Due to its low fat content, filet mignon is often wrapped in bacon or served with rich sauces to enhance its flavor profile.

Sources and attribution

Filet Mignon's Name Wasn't Coined by the French (Tasting Table)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is National Filet Mignon Day?

It is observed on August 13 each year.

What is National Filet Mignon Day?

National Filet Mignon Day, celebrated annually on August 13th, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to appreciating one of the most prized cuts of beef. Filet mignon, French for 'dainty fillet,' is renowned for its exceptional tenderness, buttery texture, and mild flavor, derived from the small end of the beef tenderloin. The day encourages enthusiasts to indulge in this luxurious steak, whether prepared at home or enjoyed at a restaurant, celebrating its culinary appeal.

How do people celebrate National Filet Mignon Day?

Cook or order filet mignon and note the naming quirk: in France the term usually means pork or veal tenderloin, while in the U.S. it refers specifically to the small end of the beef tenderloin.

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