It’s no bull; Wind Creek Casino and Hotel’s Fire Steakhouse is home to a state-champion steak.
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association honored the restaurant with the award of “Alabama’s Best Steak” at a presentation Tuesday afternoon.
Fire General Manager Gene Schnell said he was pleased to win the award this year, especially after placing second in last year’s competition.
“Out of 167 restaurants, we nailed it,” Schnell said. “It’s a major honor and there’s a lot of pride to be part of a wonderful family. It’s an honor to achieve it for the tribe and we appreciate their backing.”
Schnell also congratulated his staff on the accomplishment.
“Five years ago, we started with the same crew, the same team, a major family,” he said. “You couldn’t ask for a better, more well-rounded group. Without them, this isn’t possible.”
The competition started in June with an eight-week online voting period to help establish a “Sizzling 16,” said the association’s Erin Beasley. The top restaurants then moved on to the “Enticing Eight” before being chopped down to a “Fiery Four.”
Beasley said at that point, in September, judges were sent into the top four restaurants to judge their favorite cut of meat at each place.
The three judges included a cattleman, a chef and a meat scientist, who’s trained to grade the quality of beef products, Beasley said. The quality of service at each restaurant was taken into account, but the steaks were judged on juiciness, tenderness and overall flavor.
“The overall flavor of the steak was fantastic,” Beasley said. “It set itself apart in flavor and tenderness.”