WOOSTER, Ohio – Reputations are on the line at restaurant tables worldwide, so chefs turn to trusted suppliers and brands for the finest products. Restaurateurs choose the Certified Angus Beef ® brand, which is brought to the table by family Angus ranchers, and then they make it their own. Inventive marketing of this premium beef earned several chefs and restaurants top honors on Sept. 19 at the brand’s annual conference in Marco Island, Fla. Premier Florida chefs Peter Vauthy, Sean Brasel, Cindy Hutson and Andre Bienvenu also prepared signature appetizers and entrées during the event.
“For chefs and consumers worldwide, the appeal of great-tasting beef is universal,” says John Stika, the beef brand’s president. “Our focus on quality begins at a local level, on family farms and ranches where their way of life centers on a passion for quality. Their dedication to excellence continues to the tables where Certified Angus Beef ® brand products are served.”
- RED, the Steakhouse was named Restaurant Marketer of the Year (Steakhouse). Year-round promotions and training for RED’s Miami and Cleveland locations place the spotlight on Certified Angus Beef ® brand Prime cuts. Chef Peter Vauthy shares beef know-how through media appearances, social media and chef events such as the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
- Ortanique received Restaurant Marketer of the Year (Specialty Item) honors. Chef Cindy Hutson goes beyond the menu, educating consumers and chefs about the premium beef on her menu. She features the brand at premier events such as a James Beard House dinner, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and the Cayman Cookout.
- Montana Club, Missoula, Mont., was name Restaurant Chain Marketer of the Year (Steakhouse). For the past five years, Montana Club has been gaining momentum through its focus on the brand. The chain’s Father’s Day Roundup brought special steak items to the menu and a scratch-off promotion offering the chance for one lucky dad to be king of the grill.
- Smashburger, Denver, received Restaurant Chain Marketer of the Year (Specialty Item). Smashburger’s claim on the better-burger category starts with the Certified Angus Beef ® brand. The product is clearly identified in stores and online, and table tents featuring the family ranchers behind the brand were introduced at more than 250 locations. The chain’s burgers were also featured at the U.S. Pro Cycling Challenge.
- Cowboy Family, Tokyo, was honored with the International Restaurant Chain Marketer of the Year. At 22 Cowboy Family locations in Japan, guests are greeted by an enthusiastic staff that is well-trained about the Certified Angus Beef ® brand. The chain garnered national media attention, leading to more restaurants in Japan choosing to offer the same premium beef.
- Marmoleo, Medellin, Colombia, received the International Independent Restaurant Marketer of the Year. Marmoleo promotes the brand on posters, table tents and advertisements, while also training waitstaff for consistent messaging on the restaurant’s distinctive beef selections.
The Main Event: On the Menu
Distinguished Florida chefs also prepared on-trend beef dishes at some of the conference’s receptions and meals. (Photos available upon request.)
Peter Vauthy, RED, the Steakhouse, Miami and Cleveland
- Bone-in Certified Angus Beef ® brand Prime Delmonico Two Ways: Slow-roasted Dry-aged “Baby Back” Ribs and Grilled Dry-aged Delmonico with Black Truffle, Creamed Corn and Heirloom Tomato & Buratta Salad (entrée)
- Crispy Beef Dumplings Stuffed with Certified Angus Beef ® brand Prime Tenderloin, Mascarpone, Cognac Cream and Demi Glace (appetizer)
Sean Brasel, Meat Market, Miami
- Certified Angus Beef ® brand Teres Major Two Ways: White Truffle Tartare-style and Sous Vide Seared with Bone Marrow Butter (entrée)
Cindy Hutson, Ortanique, Coral Gables, Fla.
- Coffee- and Cocoa-Crusted Certified Angus Beef ® brand Short Ribs (appetizer)
- Crispy Yuca “Tostone” with Shredded Certified Angus Beef ® brand Vaca Frita and Mango Chimichurri (appetizer)
Andre Bienvenu, Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach
- Pop Clam Bake with Certified Angus Beef ® brand Ribeye Wontons (entrée)
- Certified Angus Beef ® brand Short Rib and Bacon served over Grits with Brussels Sprouts and Pear Compote (appetizer)
About the Certified Angus Beef ® brand
More than 16,000 businesses partner with the Certified Angus Beef ® brand, generating an estimated $6 billion in consumer sales annually, with retailers and restaurants in the United States and 45 other countries. The Certified Angus Beef ® brand is a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select thanks to 10 strict quality standards. Founded in 1978 by Angus cattlemen, this is the only beef brand owned by the American Angus Association® and brought to the table by its family farm and ranch members. For information, visit www.CertifiedAngusBeef.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter or the www.GoRare.com blog.
Source: Certified Angus Beef ® brand
