GYMPIE’s Nolan Meats were in the thick of the recent Noosa Food & Wine festival with some of their prize cuts treated with the utmost respect.

The local meat processor proudly sponsored two of the cook-off stands at the “You’re Better on Beef” by the river at the Lions Park, Noosaville.

Presented by Noosa Boathouse, a panel of celebrity Chefs oversaw a range of creative beef dishes for the patrons to enjoy with the public asked to vote on the most delicious option.

The team of chefs included Matt Golinski, Alistair McLeod, Sunny Gilbert, Shane Bailey and successful MKR 2011 winners Sammy and Bella.

The relaxed crowd were able to chat and mingle with the celebrities throughout the afternoon.

More than 1600 people undertook the taste test and the eventual winners of the People’s Choice was the Korean Barbecued Nolan Vale Sirloin which was prepared by Sammy and Bella.

Nolan Director, Mike Nolan said the day was a huge success.

“It was great to meet so many visitors to the area and also catch up with locals from the tourism and hospitality industry. Although we are confident on the consistency and quality of our product, it is always reassuring when the general public concur with our opinion. Our vision is to deliver pleasurable meat moments every time,” he said.

Mr Nolan said the company is proud to promote MSA (Meat Standards Australia) quality graded beef to its customers and that MSA graded beef ensures tenderness, juiciness and flavour.

“Nolan Meats are proud to have their two flagship brands “Private Selection” and “Vale” underpinned by MSA,” he said.

MSA is an independent grading system designed to take the guesswork out of buying and cooking Australian beef.

It does this by assessing the key factors from the farm to plate known to influence eating quality.

Using that information it then accurately predicts the quality of individual beef cuts and provides a recommended way to prepare these different cuts to maximum effect.