For the Blue Cheese Aged Flat Iron Steak:
Wrap steak in cheese cloth and rub all over with cheese. Cure two days.
Pull off cheese cloth. Season steak with salt and pepper.
Sear the steak in a hot, cast-iron pan. While steak is cooking, add butter, garlic and thyme to the pan. With a spoon, baste the melted butter mixture over the steak while it is cooking. Cook to desired doneness.
For the Creamed Kale with Star Anise:
For the mornay, heat a medium, deep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When the butter melts into the oil, add flour and combine. Gently cook, whisking flour and butter together until smooth and flour has had a chance to cook, about 3 minutes.
Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk. Gently bring milk to a bubble while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken a bit then stir in cheese a handful at a time.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch kale.
For the Extra-Crispy Fries:
In boiling water, cook the potatoes for 15 minutes. Pat very dry between kitchen towels.
Fry the fries in 325°F oil for 3-4 minutes, drain on towels.
Freeze the fries flat on sheet trays overnight or up to a month.
To serve, fry at 250°F until brown.
