Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Whole Grilled Tenderloin with Chive-Tarragon Mayonnaise

Ingredients

Center Cut Beef Tenderloin- 3 1/2-4  pounds

1 1/2 Tbl steak seasoning

2 Tbl fresh ground black pepper, cracked

Chive Tarragon Mayonnaise

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup white wine

2 Tbl orange juice

3 Tbl shallot, minced

1 tsp fresh garlic, minced

3 Tbl dried tarragon

2 Egg Yolks

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp kosher salt

1 1/2 cup canola oil

Warm water as needed

1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

1/4 cup fresh chives, slice thin

Instructions

Coat the surface of the tenderloin with the steak seasoning and cracked black pepper. Allow seasoned tenderloin to sit at room temperature one hour before grilling.

Sear tenderloin over medium direct heat until it is well marked, about 15 minutes, turning one quarter of a turn every 4-5 minutes. Continue cooking over medium indirect heat until desired doneness is reached, about 15-20 minutes for medium rare.

Remove from the grill and allow tenderloin to rest for 6-7 minutes before slicing.

Slice the tenderloin into 1/2 inch thick slices and serve with the chive tarragon mayonnaise on the side.

To prepare mayonnaise:

Place vinegar, wine, orange juice, shallot, garlic and tarragon in a small sauté pan. Simmer over medium heat until mixture has reduced by 75 percent. Remove from the heat and cool.

Place the egg yolks, mustard, and salt in a stainless steel mixing bowl. Beat with a wire whip for 2-3 minutes.  Add in half of the tarragon reduction and slowly begin drizzling in the oil, constantly whipping the mixture. As the mayonnaise begins to thicken, add the remaining tarragon reduction and then continue to whisk in the oil. If the mixture becomes too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of warm water.

Add pepper and chives and store refrigerated until needed.

Yield: 4-6 servings

The chive and tarragon mayo is an excellent condiment with burgers and roast beef sandwiches.

To crack black peppercorns, place peppercorns on a cutting board and place the palm of your hand in the bottom of a small skillet. Move the skillet bottom back and forth over the peppercorns to break them into tiny, irregular pieces.

Recent Recipes

Robert’s Christmas Turkey 2025

There's nothing like a well-roasted turkey to anchor a holiday table, and no one made it quite like my grandmother. She didn't wait until Thanksgiving to serve it. She'd roast a turkey once a month throughout the year, never mind the occasion. It was a staple at her table. My mother, on the other hand, always made a formal Christmas Eve dinner, complete with turkey, dressing, and gravy. As kids, the excitement of Christmas Eve was almost too much to bear. Those big dinners felt like the beginning of Christmas itself. It’s a memory that comes to mind every time I cook a turkey or make gravy. And a good gravy can make or break the meal. Making sure the roux browns just right and finishing the gravy with a touch of lemon juice or fresh herbs are tricks worth remembering. A little extra attention to the gravy goes a long way.

Read more

Bayou Bacon & Cheddar Spread

I can lay waste to a block of cream cheese with pepper jelly and crackers in a matter of minutes. It’s a weakness. No matter how hard I try to exercise self-control, I always find myself standing over the plate at a cocktail party, making it disappear without even thinking. This spread hits the same notes, but with a smoky, savory punch that’s hard to beat. It’s become a go-to for Christmas parties, and if you’re smart, you’ll double the recipe because it’ll be gone before you know it. It’s best when made a day in advance—giving all the flavors time to mingle.

Read more

Orange and Bourbon Glazed Duck for Drew

My brother Drew and I were always wound up on Christmas Eve. He was four years older, but you’d never know it by how excited we both were. He’d be bouncing off the walls, too keyed up to sleep, while I’d follow his lead like I always did. When we finally did drift off, it wouldn’t be long before he’d shake me awake before dawn, eyes shining like he hadn’t slept a wink. Those early mornings felt like magic. Now, Christmas means he’s usually out duck hunting in the Delta, his favorite place on earth. He loves the hunt and the calm that comes with being out in the field before the sun rises. I thought of him when I put together this recipe. It’s a little bit of Drew—those wild December mornings in the Delta and the quiet way he’s always looked out for me.

Read more