ATLANTA (Jan. 30, 2019) – The Certified Angus Beef ® brand, America’s No. 1 branded beef, kicked off a series of media events celebrating the Big Game in Atlanta with an exclusive VIP dinner Wednesday night at Donetto. The invitation-only gathering was hosted by Certified Angus Beef ® brand ambassadors Evander Holyfield, the four-time world heavyweight boxing champion, and Pro Football Hall of Fame Kicker Morten Andersen.

Celebrity chefs John Folse of Seafood R’evolution in Jackson and Jeremiah Bacon of The Macintosh and Oak Steakhouse in Charleston joined Certified Angus Beef ® brand chefs Tony Biggs and Michael Ollier to present a Southern-inspired menu. Holyfield and Andersen worked alongside the chefs to help develop two signature dishes that were highlighted as part of the evening’s fare.

Short Rib and Robiola Ravioli
Polenta and Olive Oil Cake
Certified Angus Beef ® brand Filet Gumbo
Chefs Jeremiah Bacon, John Folse and Elliott Cusher
Chef Tony Biggs and Hall of Famer Morten Andersen
Holyfield’s dish, “Prime Time with Evander,” featured a grilled Certified Angus Beef ® brand Prime Strip Filet with “Real Deal” Steak Sauce, served with Antebellum Grit Cake and Red-Eyed Succotash. Andersen and team served up “Morten’s Two-Minute Warning,” including a roasted Certified Angus Beef ® brand Tenderloin Filet with Sauce Béarnaise, Pommes Anna, Micro Vegetable and Charcoal-Coral Tuile.

Georgia ranchers Andrew and Julie McPeake were also on hand to share how beef raised for the Certified Angus Beef ® brand makes its way from the ranch gate to the dinner plate. World renowned for its exceptional quality and generous marbling, the Certified Angus Beef ® brand is the original brand of premium beef. The brand’s 10 exacting standards ensure superior taste and tenderness in every bite, with only the best Angus beef making the cut.

Luke Willson, Morten Andersen and Tony Biggs
Morten Andersen’s “Two-Minute Warning” Tenderloin
Holyfield, who has deep roots in Atlanta, and Andersen, who played for the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, will represent the Certified Angus Beef ® brand throughout the week leading up to the championship on Sunday, Feb. 3. The two sports legends will be accompanied by chefs Biggs and Ollier on Radio Row at the Georgia World Congress Center, where they will serve up more than interviews. The Certified Angus Beef ® brand culinary team will provide media with samples and help explain why it’s the beef industry’s highest standard of quality.

Holyfield and Andersen prepared for the week by visiting the Certified Angus Beef ® Culinary Center in Wooster, Ohio, to learn about the extraordinary taste, quality and industry-leading characteristics that define the brand.

Evander Holyfield and Luke Willson
Evander Holyfield’s “Prime Time” Strip Steak
About the Certified Angus Beef ® brand

World renowned for its exceptional quality and generous marbling, the Certified Angus Beef ® brand is the original brand of premium beef. It was created in 1978, and is still owned today by family ranchers who are determined to bring the best Angus beef to the table. Ten exacting standards ensure superior taste and tenderness in every bite. Follow the team’s journey to Atlanta at CertifiedAngusBeef.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.