BGC's Fresh to Host First Annual Steak Cook-Off

FRESH by Brookshire’s will hold its first annual Fresh Steak Cook Off Saturday, October 29 to benefit the East Texas Food Bank.

The contest will “pit” eight teams from local businesses, such as the Tyler Morning-Telegraph, Southside Bank, and Oak Properties, against each other to earn the “Ultimate Meat Master” title. Judges will include Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, Restaurateur Mundo Villapuda, and Randy Whittemore of Certified Angus Beef, the major steak sponsor.

“Brookshire Grocery Company has a rich history of giving back to the community, and we at Fresh are proud to pass our blessings along to a great organization like the East Texas Food Bank,” said Fresh GM Steve Dellello. “And there’s no reason we can’t all have fun giving back, with some friendly competition, great food and music, and a host of other fun events to make this a wonderful day for the whole family.”

Martin Walker Attorneys at Law will underwrite live music throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased for $15 at Fresh by Brookshire’s or any Southside Bank Brookshire’s location in Tyler or Lake Palestine. Each ticket will be good for one Certified Angus Beef steak dinner including two sides. Rib-eye steaks, donated by Certified Angus Beef, will be judged on appearance (grill marks, seasoning, crust), doneness (cooked to a medium temperature), and taste.

In addition to the “main event,” the day will include games for kids, face painting, a miniature horse for children to view, a “strut your mutt” pet contest, and live music.

The East Texas Food Bank, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has provided food to over 200 partner agencies, in an effort to feed children, the working poor and seniors throughout 26 counties in East Texas.

The 55,000-square foot Fresh by Tyler, Texas-based Brookshire’s is a new concept food store that opened March 2011. It features a coffee and gelato bar, an artisan bakery, organic foods, gluten-free foods, bulk foods, and expanded healthy living items, along with a pharmacy, an award-winning floral department, a bank and the more traditional grocery items and staples. In addition, up to 100 fresh food offerings – from gourmet “comfort food” to mouth-watering fare from a full burrito and taco bar, a sandwich bar, a soup and salad bar and an outdoor grill– are prepared daily on site, encouraging customers to visit the store frequently to dine in or to pick up delicious chef-prepared items to take home.