Instructions

1. To make garlic mayonnaise, mince ½ clove garlic and place in a small bowl. Mix with mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cut potato into ½-in (1.25 cm) thick fries and rinse until water runs clear. Set aside in a bowl of water until ready to cook.
3. Add fries to a medium pot of salted cold water and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn heat down to low and simmer fries for 5 to 8 minutes, until tender and cooked through. With a slotted spoon, carefully remove fries from water and place in a single layer on a dry tea towel. Let cool to room temperature, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill while you cook steak.
4. Season steak with salt and pepper. Crush remaining 1½ cloves garlic and set aside.
5. Heat a cast iron pan or other heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Add steak and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn heat to low and add butter, garlic and thyme. Baste steaks with butter for another 1 to 2 minutes per side, until desired doneness—125 F (52 C) for rare, 130 F (54 C) for medium-rare and 135 F (57 C) for medium. Place steak on a plate and let rest while you finish fries.
6. Line a baking sheet with paper towel. Pour 2-in (5 cm) olive oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot. Heat over medium-high heat to 400 F (200 C). Add fries in a single layer and fry for 4 to 6 minutes, until light golden brown. Remove from oil and set on lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining fries.
7. Slice steak and serve with fries and garlic mayonnaise.