How does the world like its steak? Irish, please

Ireland has dominated the World Steak Challenge, taking the most gold medals in the eighth year of the competition, which was judged in Dublin on Tuesday. Ireland’s awards tally, in a field that attracted entries from more than 20 countries, totalled 54 medals, with 15 of them gold. England claimed a total of 36 medals, followed by Finland, with 28.

The overall World’s Best Steak title, as well as best sirloin and best grain-fed, went to a first-time entry from Japan. The winning steak was from a 30-month-old Wagyu female raised in the Kagoshima region. The best rib-eye came from Jacks Creek in Australia, repeating its success of last year, and was also from a Wagyu breed. The judges found their best-fillet winner in a Polish Holstein and Black Angus cross from MFC Carni, in Poland.

Linden Foods, in Northern Ireland, took the award for best grass-fed steak, with a rib-eye from a full-beed Dexter. This 30-day-matured steak, sold by Marks & Spencer, was described by the judging panel of 60 industry experts and chefs as very tender and rich.

The entries, in the three categories of fillet, rib-eye and sirloin, were judged both raw and cooked, and were prepared by chefs at Fire Steakhouse and Bar, in Dublin 2. The World Steak Challenge is organised by William Reed, the publisher behind the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and the International Wine Challenge.