by Jerry Stewart
For those with a foodie type of bucket list, there are more than a few hot events that should top that list. Certainly Terlingua Chili Cook-off, WurstFest in New Braunfels, the Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival and Hico’s Texas Steak Cook-off, if the latter has escaped your radar check out scenes from the annual event here.
The event, which is held Saturday, May 19th, 2012 this year, has been covered annually by the Food Network and is the largest steak cook-off in the Southwest, drawing thousands of tourists from all over the country. Hico is just 90 minutes southwest of the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex and approximately two hours north of Austin on scenic US 281.
The Cook-off is a competition for the best tasting 12-ounce Texas rib eye steak. Besides a great steak dinner, attendees and participants enjoy shopping, live entertainment, and a separate ticket wine tasting (12 p.m. – 4 p.m.) event featuring local Texas wineries. For the third year, Chef Brian C. Luscher of the acclaimed Grape restaurant in Dallas hosts a VIP steak dinner at The Homestead complete with personal service and pampered dining.
Backyard chefs from around the State compete in the Backyard chef category for the most anticipated prizes of the day. While most of the chefs are from Texas, the event also draws teams in from Oklahoma, Georgia, Louisiana, Arizona and South Dakota. Any and all amateur grillers are invited to compete for cash prizes amounting to $2,500 for First Place; $1,250 for Second; $750 for Third; $500 for Fourth; and $250 for Fifth Place.
And of course each Backyard Chef wants the title “Best Steak in Texas.” A fan favorite, the Hors d’oeuvres competition allows public is able to interact with the chefs, sampling amazing food in the warm up for the big event (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.). Guests select their favorite backyard chef for a full steak dinner including all the fixings beginning at 5:00 p.m.
The public is invited to enjoy in the fun and food and may purchase tickets that include a rib-eye steak dinner with all the fixings and a chance to win several door prizes.
Tickets are on sale now from $20 for the Wine Tasting, $25 for the Steak Cook-off dinner and $100 for the VIP dinner with The Grape’s Chef Brian C. Luscher. For more information about this daylong event with food, exhibits, shopping, musical entertainment and lots of fun,. Check out the website or call 254-485-2020.
Great way to spend a Saturday – Unfortunately this will be the first time in four years that I will have to miss competing