If you are a carnivore like me, the very title of the book Ribs, Chops, Steaks & Wings might be enough to get this book off the shelf and in your hands. Because those four simple words conjure up delectible images. Juicy, dense and oh so smoky... at least they are to Serious Grill Dudes.

Now I may be a carnivore, but I am not a Serious Grill Dude. Which is why I feel that this book by Ray Lampe is just the sort of book I need to get my grill on. In case you did not know it, the author of this book is the very media savvy “Dr. BBQ”. He's a regular guest on the Food Network. He also has his own web site by the same name, judges cook-offs, serves as spokesman for the National Pork Board, and has written six cookbooks. Which I suppose makes him a Serious Grill Dude.

I am not ashamed to admit that this book's simple format and elementary style are perfect for this Aspiring Serious Grill Dude. There is a lot I don't know about cooking meat, espcially on the grill. So before I learn to trot I need to learn to walk (I almost said gallop but I could not find a single horse recipe in this book)...

You know I have been doing Meat & Potatoes five days in a row. It's not that I am complaining, it suits the season and it's been fun. But up until now my Meat & Potato recipes have all had a rustic earthiness that suits this classic combination quite well. Because when I say Meat & Potatoes you think hearty and comforting. I'm cool with that.

But today I thought I'd show Sup's! stuff and present something a bit more refined. Because I am out to prove that Meat & Potatoes can be versatile. They can be presented with the utmost panache and aplomb. So today we have Potato Crusted Filet Mignon with Arugula & Pomegranate Sauce. With its unexpected crust and sumptuous sauce, this is an elegant way to enjoy filet mignon. It may be the most refined version of Meat & Potatoes you will ever serve your guests.

It comes to you by the hands and heart of my brother Grant, whom I like to call Sip! on these pages. That's because he usually does the wine pairings. Well today is no excepetion because he has merlot for us. Despite what the lead character in the pinot noir-worshipping movie Sideways led us to believe, merlot can be a serious wine.

But don't assume that I just sat around and did my nails while he was cooking and choosing wine. Nope, I was involved– I did the photos. Which of course still left me time to do my nails.