#Makeitsteak – Tottenham v West Ham – what’s the beef?
The beautiful game has not escaped the pandemic, but they are a competitive lot in football and it was only a matter of time before matches of a different type were put on.
A friendly, with a twist any striker would be proud of, was played out on social media last weekend (9/10 May) between two solo players who were worthy to represent their clubs in support of the #MAKEITSTEAK campaign.
The players were Tottenham Hotspur’s executive head chef Mark Reynolds who created a succulent grilled Sirloin Steak with Maris Piper chips and a smoked tomato choron.
Mark played against Gary Foakes, executive head chef at West Ham’s London Stadium who produced a Steak and Oyster Pie with a rich flavoursome Jus, a dish which has put in many appearances at the West Ham ground.
Spurs Mark Reynolds said: “I’m delighted to support British Farmers during this crisis and my top tip for the perfect steak is a pre-heated grill, have your seasoned steak at room temperature prior to grilling and don’t forget to rest your steak before serving – I always allow at least five minutes resting for a 250gram steak.”
West Ham’s Garry Foakes said: “It was a great competition with a talented opposition, to raise awareness of cooking at home using quality British meat. Supporting farmers is very important to us in the hospitality industry and football supporters deserve the best produce we can source when it comes to match day.”
The friendly game was the idea of David McKown Director of University Hospitality Seminars and Karl Pendlebury AHDB’s senior manager for Quality Schemes.
Karl Pendlebury said: “In these difficult times it’s good to have goals and these two chefs kindly stepped up to have a bit of fun and give support to farmers and meat industry. Before the lockdown steak was often a treat when out with family or friends and these guys have shown us that cooking a mouth-watering steak at home can be worth a shot.”
David McKown said: “An amazing fun game with two phenomenal chefs supporting farmers by showcasing British Beef in a way football fans and everyone else could enjoy. Let’s hope this can develop into a full premiership competition bringing the talents of club chefs, great British produce and the world of football together to cheer us all up during the lockdown.”
The hashtags #Stadiumcook and #Tottenhamchef rallied fans who quickly got involved with voting for their favourite steak meal. The final score saw the Hammers win 6 to Spurs 4.
Karl added: “With the hospitality industry, pubs and restaurants closed because of coronavirus incredible deals on meat to treat the family are on offer for shoppers whether on the high street or in big retailers. I love a steak cooked on the barbecue served with some English mustard. It’s an easy meal and my best tip is to buy the best quality meat you can afford, for a real tasty treat. Take a look at www.simplybeef.co.uk”
Debbie Rigney, The Stadium Experience marketing and PR manager, said: “The Stadium Experience is delighted to support this friendly competition that supports British Farmers; hospitality within our stadiums is first class and it is great to see our members engaging with this initiative.”
About AHDB
AHDB is a statutory levy board, funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain. Our purpose is to inspire our farmers, growers and industry to succeed in a rapidly changing world. We equip the industry with easy to use, practical know-how which they can apply straight away to make better decisions and improve their performance. Established in 2008 and classified as a Non-Departmental Public Body, it supports the following industries: meat and livestock (cattle, sheep and pigs) in England; horticulture, milk and potatoes in Great Britain; and cereals and oilseeds in the UK. AHDB’s remit covers 72 per cent of total UK agricultural output. Further information on AHDB can be found at www.ahdb.org.uk
Read more about other #makeitsteak matches:
Manchester City FC v Watford FC
Wembley Stadium v Hampden Park Stadium (England v Scotland)
Stadium Experience organises The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards each year. Read more about entering the Chef Team of the Year Award category.
