Adelaide's Police Club Crowned Pepperjack National Steak Champion For 2010

The Police Club Does SA Proud as They're Crowned Pepperjack National Steak Champion for 2010

The competition was fierce as Sydney's premier butchery, Victor Churchill, played host to an almighty battle to crown the 2010 Pepperjack National Steak Champion last night, with Adelaide's Police Club emerging victorious following a grueling cook-off before a discerning crowd of steak lovers.

More than 680 participating venues across Australia were whittled down to just three final contenders for the title of Australia's best steak venue, with The Police Club beating stiff competition from La Piazza Allegra (Elsternwick, VIC) and The Great Northern Hotel (Carlton North, VIC) to win the judging panel over.

Judges Adrian Richardson, (Pepperjack Battle of the Steaks Ambassador, chef at La Luna Bistro and the author of the award winning MEAT cookbook), self-confessed steak aficionado Mark Beretta from Channel 7's Sunrise, Pepperjack winemaker Richard Mattner and Victor Churchill owner, Anthony Puharich all agreed that The Police Club's steak reigned supreme on the night.

Over the past few weeks, participating venues have grilled, roasted and braised thousands of juicy T-bones, succulent sirloins and tasty eye fillets to perfectly accompany a glass of Pepperjack Barossa Shiraz or Cabernet. In its second year, Pepperjack Battle of the Steaks has been a mighty success with twice the number of venues battling it out and a significant increase in patron participation proving that Australians take their steaks seriously.

Knowing what it takes to serve up quality steak time and time again, Richardson acknowledged the efforts of the three final contenders as individual National Category Winners across pubs, clubs and restaurants.

"The competition was fierce last night but Greg McKeever from the Police Club really impressed with a perfectly cooked steak that was a high quality cut of meat and a simple but delicious recipe that really matched well with the berry and dark chocolate flavours of the Pepperjack Shiraz," Richardson said.

As part of the public voting criteria, Pepperjack developed a national 'knife' ranking system rating the grade and quality of each participating venue's steak. The Police Club has been awarded $20,000 and the prestige of being Australia's National Steak Champion for 2010 with a coveted Gold Knife rating.

"It's an honour to take out the Pepperjack National Steak Champion title this year it's been great fun being involved in the competition and a huge thank you must go out to all our loyal customers at The Police Club who were madly texting in their votes to help us go all the way. We look forward to coming back to defend our title in 2011," said Greg McKeever, Head Chef at The Police Club.

Pepperjack Battle of the Steaks Knife Ranking System

* 1 Knife State Finalists (very well done)
* 2 Knife State Champions ( a cut above the rest )
* 3 Knife National Champions ( a rare find)
* Gold Knife Pepperjack National Steak Champion (steak Knighthood)

For full details on knife ranking system and Pepperjack Battle of the Steaks visit www.battleofthesteaks.com.au

For more information or photo and interview opportunities with Greg Greg McKeever and Heather Holmes from The Police Club please contact:
Louise Lynch
Liquid Ideas
e [email protected]
m 0418 546 048
t 02 9667 4211

SOURCE: Liquid Ideas