Alcester Steakhouse Accolades

The Alcester Steakhouse was named the South Dakota Restaurant of the Year by the South Dakota Pork Producers during their annual convention in Sioux Falls on January 6. Steakhouse owners Jeff and Shelley Brown were presented with an engraved silver serving tray from the council. Alcester Steakhouse staff members include (l to r) Bar Manager Rich Bendert, Wait Staff Diane Ronning, Manager Kim Busch, Owners Jeff and Shelley Brown, and Kitchen Staff Dan VandenHoek.

Alcester Steakhouse named South Dakota Restaurant of the Year

By Paul Buum, Editor/Publisher

(Published in January 13, 2005 Alcester Union & Hudsonite)

SIOUX FALLS – The South Dakota Pork Producers Council named the Alcester Steakhouse the Restaurant of the Year during an awards recognition luncheon on Thursday, January 6 at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Sioux Falls. An engraved silver serving tray was presented to steakhouse owners Jeff and Shelley Brown during the awards luncheon, which was part of the SDPPC annual meeting and tradeshow.

Alcester farmer Steve Rommereim, the 2004 SDPPC Association Services and Membership Committee Chairman, emceed the awards recognition luncheon and presented the award to the Browns. The award was presented for the quality and quantity of the pork they serve. Each year the Alcester Steakhouse serves more than 2,600 pounds of pork.

“Jeff and Shelley Brown have owned the Alcester Steakhouse for 15 years and they take pride in the variety of pork entrees that they feature,” Rommereim said during the award presentation.

The Alcester Steakhouse regularly serves Hickory Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribs from their menu, and regularly feature a pork selection as one of their nightly specials. Some of the more popular pork entrees include Apple Thyme Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Pork Medallions with a Merlot and Roasted Garlic demi-glace, Raspberry Walnut Pork Tenderloins, “Iowa Cut” Lemon and Garlic Pork Chops, Bourbon Grilled Pork Loin, Pork Prime Rib au jus, Pork Marsala, Garlic Dill Marinated Boneless Pork Loin, Pork Chops with a Cranberry Orange glaze, and other selections.

News of the award in other publications has brought new customers to the Alcester Steakhouse.

“Last week we had a farm couple from over by Spencer, Iowa drive all the way over here to eat when they read about our award in a farm trade magazine,” Jeff said. “It’s nice to be recognized this way.”

Also receiving awards during the luncheon were Carrie Law, host and producer of “Today’s Ag” television show. She received the Media Award for providing outstanding media support.

Turner County pork producer Steve Schmeichel received the Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding service to the pork industry in South Dakota. Schmeichel was elected to the SDPPC Board of Directors in 1991 and worked an a wide variety of boards and committees throughout the years.

The Davison County Pork Producers received the County Activity Award. Representatives were presented with a cash award and certificate based on membership and promotional activities.