Here's the beef. D'Angelo supersizes the steak and cheese

The one pound steak and cheese

January is when many people resolve to diet and down-size, but that isn't deterring the D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches chain from debuting a beef buff's show stopper - a one pound steak-and-cheese sandwich that will lighten the wallet by $9.99.

D'Angelo, part of Papa Gino's Inc. of Dedham, is talking strictly beef here; the sandwich features a pound of choice beef, not counting bread, cheese, and extras.

With 190 restaurants, D'Angelo said it already sells 3.5 million steak sandwiches a year in smaller sizes, but those dainty dishes apparently are insufficient to stay the appetites of the most demanding of chowhounds.

"After extensive guest research and focus groups, D'Angelo felt compelled to introduce a larger steak and cheese sandwich," the company said in a statement.

The one-pounder will be tested in a three-month run and kept permanently if it proves popular, said D'Angelo senior vice president Michael McManama, who noted that many casual-restaurant chains have recently introduced super-sized items as sales wane for many salad offerings.

It isn't that consumers are heedless of the dangers of obesity, he said, but people who make healthful decisions when eating at home sometimes indulge at restaurants.

"Consumers want choice, healthy or indulgent, depending on their mood," said McManama, noting that D'Angelo offers low-fat choices.

And even if Boston were to impose a trans-fat ban on restaurant, D'Angelo's one-pounder would be safe, he said, because it's trans fat-free.

Still, a pound of beef is a king-size meal.

McManama agreed, suggesting a few steak-and-cheeses could satisfy a large tailgating party before Sunday's Patriots game.

Referring to D'Angelo's new one-pound offering, he said, "Feel free to share."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)