Now in its tenth year, the Australian Hotels Association’s (AHA) annual search for WA’s Best Steak Sandwich has picked local pub Bouvard Tavern as one of eight finalists.
Bouvard Tavern manager Emmah Gardener believes the key to their success lies in the the union of classic and creative elements of the Australian pub classic.
“They’re a staple in every pub because you can be watching the game on the big screen have a your favourite beer in one hand and your steak sanga in the other hand,” Ms Gardener said.
“I believe our steak sandwich is different from others due to the unique flavour combination our chef has created.”
Chef Darby Shin has been working at the Bouvard Tavern since 2012, bringing a new menu out each year.
This year his steak sandwich includes shoe string fries to create an element of crunch and paired that with the tang of a beetroot chutney as well as many traditional ingredients found in steak sandwiches.
“I’m always thinking when I change the menu, the local people. They’re my customers and also my friends. I’m thinking about making them healthy and happy,” Mr Shin said.
“The shoestring fries give a different texture, when the rest is quite soft, and make it fun to eat.”
Prioritising the use of local ingredients, the Bouvard Tavern sandwich is perfected with a Margaret River Black Angus rump steak, salad, and shoestring sweet potatoes inside a turkish bread roll.
The Australian pub classic will be put to the test at the AHA Hospitality Expo on May 16-17, where the Bouvard Tavern staff will partake in a ‘cook-off’ against four metro and three country competitors.
“It’s good for me, challenging… I’m a little bit nervous, but I think it will be good,” Mr Shin said.
The overall winner of 2017 WA's Best Steak Sandwich will be announced in November at the AHA Awards Night.
