By Annette Shailer
The Pepperjack Battle of the Steaks contest has been launched with the help of Olympic swimmer Matt Welsh, to find Australia’s favourite steak and wine venue.
Welsh joined Melbourne’s The Point Restaurant, Albert Park executive chef, Scott Pickett, in a fun but competitive cook-off to celebrate the start of the two-month Pepperjack campaign.
The campaign kicked off on August 1 with more than 350 regional and metropolitan entrants from restaurants, pubs and other eateries competing for the national crown, which includes a $20,000 first prize advertising package.
Pickett said that he was excited to be involved in the national competition and was impressed with the response so far.
“This is a great opportunity for chefs to create and present diners with some exciting steak dishes matched perfectly with one of the six varieties of Pepperjack wines available,” Pickett said. “Also, customers can become involved and show their support and loyalty by voting online for their favourite venue to help us find Australia’s greatest steak venue.”
The competition closes September 27, with the five state finalists announced the following week.
The state finalists will be flown to Melbourne for two nights to compete in the grand final steak cook-off on October 14, with the winner announced at a gala dinner at The Point Restaurant Albert Park that night.
To vote or check out the leaderboard so far, click here.