I was in Ave Maria, Florida, on Saturday afternoon (January 26th, 2013), judging the 3rd Annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off in Ave Maria, Florida. All 16 oz rib eyes were smoked, grilled over charcoal, or both since no gas grills were allowed.
The competition winner would not only win $1000 and the trophy but move on to the World Food Championships in Las Vegas later this year, so this was serious business.
All of the 21 participating steaks were very different. Each of the seven judges was given a steak sliver per competitor to grade.
You could, of course, also attend the event as there was plenty of family entertainment, but the $25 meal was the main attraction. It included a 16oz. boneless ribeye steak (from the vendor of your choice), baked potato, roll, salad, and drink.
More than 2000 steaks were cooked for a good cause, benefiting the Scholarship Fund for the children from Immokalee, FL. Check out the Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off website to see if you’ve got what it takes to compete next year.