DES MOINES, IOWA (November 19, 2019) — On Monday, the Iowa Restaurant Association, in collaboration with The Soyfoods Council and the Iowa Beef Industry Council, completed their statewide culinary competition at a Celebratory Gala at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The two-part competition challenged top chefs from across Iowa to create an entrée featuring a Beef Sirloin Ball Tip Steak and a soy-based side dish or sauce. A team of professional judges visited each restaurant to evaluate the dishes. On Monday, the 8 chefs showcased their competition creations in sample portions at a Celebratory Gala held in conjunction with the Iowa Hospitality Expo. Hundreds of event attendees then voted for a People’s Choice winner.
“These award-winning creations highlighted the exceptional culinary talent of Iowa’s chef community,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “We love the message combining beef and soy in a competition sends. There is room for both on the same plate, they are complements, not competitors. The variety of this year’s entries and flavors also exemplify the adaptability of these Iowa-based products to any style of cuisine. We expect to see many of these competition dishes on menus this year.”
This year’s winners were:
- First Place — Matt Drennan, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, West Des Moines
- Runner-up — Alex Beltran, Rathbun Grill at Honey Creek Resort
- Third Place — Nick Marino, Park Street Kitchen + Bar, Downtown Hilton DSM
- People’s Choice — Anthony Nace, Blu Toro Cantina, West Des Moines
About the Soyfoods Council
The Soyfoods Council is a non-profit organization, created and funded by Iowa soybean farmers, providing a complete resource to increase awareness of soy,foods, educate and inform media, health-care professionals, consumers, and the retail and food-service market about the many benefits of soy-foods. Iowa is the country’s number one grower of soybeans and is the Soyfoods Capital of the world. www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com
About the Iowa Beef Industry Council
The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information, and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit www.iabeef.org.
About the Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restraurantiowa.com.
