No this isn't the title of the newest Hugh Grant blockbuster but instead a quirky intro into my next Blog! I was lucky enough to be invited by AIKEN Pr. to attend the LMC Steak Off at St Georges Market (Like I needed another excuse to go there) last Saturday!
The day was to reward 4 cunning amateur chefs who were competing to cook the perfect steak under the watchful eyes of one of our most recognisable and talented chefs -Paul Rankin (a wee tourist was definitely starstruck as she told me -'He's the soda farl man') Paul was joined by representatives of LMC and Carolyn Stewart from U105 who made up the judging panel - I was hoping that this was going to be my job!!!
So the four competitors had entered an online Steak Photo competition in order to win a place at the Steak Off - Our four competitors were; Roy Beggs, Mary Johnston, Conor Symington and Phillip Kennedy. Each had been chosen to compete using LMC farm assured steaks!
But who are LMC? LMC stands for The Livestock and Meat Commission and they are there to ensure that our Livestock are treated correctly and that all of our meat goes through the correct procedures and validations ensuring that we get the best taste possible! They have certainly made me think more about the whole process - from farm to plate! As a wee rule - always look for the image below on your meat and you know it has been approved, is safe to eat and more importantly - will taste great!
Each had a unique way of prepping the meat, seasoning it and cooking it and for me it was a really close call between Conor and Mary, but ultimately Conor Symington won the battle with the words 'perfect' being uttered by a certain celeb chef!
Conor was obviously surprised as the photo below shows but I am pretty sure this surprise turned to delight when he saw the array of La Creuset items he won - I must admit I contemplated theft but I'm still afraid of my mum so I just watched with extreme jealousy!
(you'll need to click in to fully see Conor's shock)
After the competition it was Paul Rankin's turn to cook us the perfect steak and luckily we got to try these - I am not going to give too much away here as I have another blog called 'Rankin's Top Tips' coming next week - which is really, really good - even if I do say so myself! So tune in next week to pickup some serious tips, a simple pepper sauce recipe and some other littles things that might surprise you!
On a final note it was nice surprise to see a former classmate in Katrina, we had a lovely wee Rathmore catchup and I wish her the best of luck for her exciting plans - Thanks again for the invite!
