Chefs Showcase the Versatility of Beef in Iowa Culinary Competition

The Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Restaurant Association, Choose Iowa, and Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce celebrated the conclusion of their statewide culinary competition Monday during the Iowa Hospitality Showcase at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines.

This year’s two-part competition challenged chefs from across Iowa to create an entrée featuring a Beef Tri-Tip Roast, sourced through B&R Quality Meats and Martin Bros. Distributing Co., paired with locally raised Choose Iowa ingredients and the signature heat of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce.

“Iowa’s beef producers take tremendous pride in raising high-quality beef, and it’s exciting to see chefs bring that story to life on the plate," said Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. "We especially love this competition because it challenges chefs to work with an underutilized cut like Tri-Tip and highlight its incredible versatility and flavor. It’s a true celebration of the farmers, food artisans, and culinary professionals who make our state exceptional."

2025 Culinary Competition Winners

• Winner: Chef Tessa Cardoza, Maxwell’s on the River, Muscatine
• Runner-Up: Chef James Vido, The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, Cedar Rapids
• People’s Choice: Chef Anthony Nace, Park Street Kitchen, Hilton Des Moines Downtown
• Choose Iowa Award: Chef Andrea Love, Dinner Delights, Des Moines
  
• Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce Award: Chef Anthony Nace, Park Street Kitchen, Hilton Des Moines Downtown
  

Competing Chefs

Andrea Love (Dinner Delights, Des Moines); Anthony Nace (Park Street Kitchen + Bar, Des Moines); Arturo Mora (Roots 95, Johnston); Arletta McCoy (Lady Jerk Soul Food & Catering, Des Moines); Dale Rinderman (Big Grove Brewery, Des Moines); James Vido (The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, Cedar Rapids); Luis Carrion (Tullpa Restaurant, Des Moines); Patrick Zachar (Aunt Maude’s, Ames); Tessa Cardoza (Maxwell’s on the River, Muscatine); Trevor Schueneman (Mac & Rita’s, Carroll), Wesley Zeitz (Z’s Eatery & Draught Haus, Indianola); Zach Boyke (Aura Restaurant & Lounge, Clive).

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About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit www.iabeef.org. 

About the Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restaurantiowa.com. 

About Choose Iowa: Choose Iowa is the state’s signature branding and marketing program promoting Iowa grown, Iowa made and Iowa raised food, beverages and ag products. The Choose Iowa program was initiated by Secretary Naig and is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 

About Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce: Lola’s flagship hot sauce comes from a family recipe that combines unique ingredients – like chili peppers, garlic, and citrus – to create bold flavors. The result is a sauce that makes the meal…Not burn it down. Lola’s has taken this inspiration to develop other products including salsas, honey, seasonings, and drink mixes. Consumers can find the Lola’s products at www.lolasfinehotsauce.com and in over 10,000 retailers and restaurants nationwide. Lola’s is the warmer side of hot sauce. https://lolasfinehotsauce.com/.