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K-State Today

September 17, 2013

American Royal beefs up competition at K-State Olathe

Submitted by Kristi Northcutt

The American Royal Association will conduct its second best-tasting steak competition today at Kansas State University Olathe. Thirty-two beef producers from across the nation have submitted rib-eye steaks for the competition.

The winner of the competition will be announced at the American Royal's 2013 Grapes and Steaks Competition on Oct. 9.

"Most traditional cooking contests are like the American Royal World Series of Barbecue — they are mainly about preparation," said Todd Graves, chair of the American Royal steak contest committee.

Not this competition. Each steak will be prepared in an identical manner at the K-State Olathe campus in the laboratory and research kitchens. Points will be assigned for flavor, juiciness, tenderness and texture. Steaks will be judged by a panel of experts, including restaurateurs, international food bloggers, beef representatives and members of the Kansas and Missouri Beef councils.

K-State Olathe Sensory and Consumer Research Center manager Marianne Swaney-Stueve said, "Having the competition at K-State Olathe again this year is a nod to our state-of the-art facility."

The research and development kitchens and equipment allow the preparation to be scientific and objective, so that each piece of steak plated has received the same treatment.

"This competition is about awarding America’s best-tasting steak," Graves said.

Swaney-Stueve won "Rookie of the Year" honors from the American Royal for her leadership of the event last year.