Although there are several different holidays dedicated to steaks, National Filet Mignon Day is one of the few that’s dedicated to a particular cut of steak. Often considered the most tender portion of the tenderloin, the filet mignon is a steak that’s not only tasty and tender but also one that can be expensive. Regardless, it’s a cut of steak that everyone should enjoy—at least on this holiday that falls on August 13th every year.

The History of Filet Mignon

Although we couldn’t discover the history of this holiday, we did find out that it has been celebrated for years now. This isn’t surprising considering that this cut of steak has been enjoyed for a very long time. However, even though this cut of meat has been enjoyed for thousands of years, it didn’t get the name “filet mignon” officially until William Sydney Porter’s book “The Four Million” used the name in 1906. It’s been considered an expensive and luxurious cut of meat ever since.

Fun Facts About Filet Mignon

Below are some facts that we think beef lovers are really going to enjoy learning about this cut of steak.

Filet Mignon Is Known by Other Names in Other Languages

One of the first things that people should realize is that this cut of steak is known by different names all over the world—even different names in other English-speaking countries, so any world traveler should realize that their favorite cut of steak isn’t always known by the name filet mignon. This steak is also known by the following names as well:

• US English: Filet Mignon, Tenderloin Steak, Beef Medallions.
• UK English: Fillet Steak.
• French: Filet de boeuf, tournedos.
• Argentina: Bife de Lomo.
• Puerto Rico: Filete Mignon.
• Dutch: Haasbiefstuk, Ossehaas.

In France, Filet Mignon Isn’t a Cut of Beef

Another thing that beef lovers should realize when visiting France is that filet mignon in that country doesn’t refer to a cut of beef steak. No, filet mignon is a word used in France to describe a tender and expensive cut of pork instead.

Filet Mignon Has Been Served in US Restaurants Since the 19th Century

Although the name filet mignon was only coined in 1906, US restaurants have served these steaks for years before then. They were the main dish served at fancy restaurants in the US since at least the late 1890s, if not before then. They just weren’t called filet mignon steaks but were instead called either medallions or tenderloin steaks.

How to Celebrate National Filet Mignon Day

The best way to celebrate this esteemed holiday is by grilling up or ordering from a restaurant a nice filet mignon steak. And while you’re at it, you can also take a picture of your beautiful steak and then post it online using the hashtag #NationalFiletMignonDay to make everyone’s mouth water.