Wolftrap names new steakhouse champ

The competition's convenor JP Rossouw explained, "The top three steakhouses were all excellent in terms of selection, knowledge, maturation and preparation of their meats, but what gave the Local Grill the edge was the fantastic meat experience it offers in terms of range of cuts (including grass and grain) and even choice of bovine. You get a tour of the meat locker if you show the slightest bit of interest, which says it all about a place that truly 'preaches' steak!"

The awards brings to a close a search that began with an open round during which the public nominated its favourite steakhouses, with nearly 200 establishments named as contenders in the championships. The top five from this nomination round then joined an expert's selection of award-winning steakhouses to go into the play-off round in April where 14 steakhouses went head-to-head during personal visits by the judges, led by well-known MasterChef SA judge Pete Goffe-Wood.

Runners-up

The runners up were Carne SA (Cape Town) and Little Havana (Umhlanga Rocks), both superb exponents of steak. The awards were held at Luke Dale-Roberts' famed Pot Luck Club, where his innovative platters of excellent Chalmar Beef accompanied The Wolftrap wines. Proud winner, Steve Maresch of The Local Grill and runners-up Martin Lombard of Little Havana and Giorgio Nava of Carne SA attended the awards.

Pete Goffe-Wood was happy with overall quality. "The standard of the last 14 was very high indeed and it is clear that the steakhouse category is alive and well in South Africa. Of course, steak is a South African passion and the steakhouse is the quintessential South African restaurant experience - it's who we are - and this competition celebrates those who push the envelope of that experience."

It has been nearly a decade since South Africa last had a steakhouse champion and The Wolftrap - steak's ideal partner - was excited to take on the challenge of identifying the ultimate house of steaks. Over the next months, there is a prize of a meal for two at The Local Grill - simply buy a bottle of The Wolftrap for details.