A winner has been determined in the 2023 Bama’s Best Beef Contest. Diamond Jim’s and Mrs. Donna’s, a family-owned-and-operated restaurant in Livingston, AL, has been named the winner of the 2023 Bama’s Best Beef contest with its dish, Diamond Jim’s Famous Ribeye. The annual contest is sponsored by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) and funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.
The winner was a hand cut 16-ounce ribeye, marinated for hours and seasoned with a secret blend known only by the Dial family. It is then grilled over charcoal until the tender, savory steak develops the perfect crust.
The 2023 Bama’s Best Beef contest began September 25 with a nominations round that earned more than 200 entries from restaurants across Alabama. The two most-nominated dishes from each of the contest’s four regions moved on to Facebook photo challenges that put competing dishes head-to-head as almost 7,000 fans voted for their favorite restaurant’s plated meal. The contest garnered a digital reach of more than 394,000 Facebook users throughout October. The contest was decided with an in-person tasting of both dishes.
Semifinalists included The Greasy Spoon Kitchen (Gallant) Big Daddy Don Burger and Tabby D’s (Andalusia) Southern Style Beef Roast, while other regional dishes included MaePop’s Barbecue (Tallassee) Brisket, BBQ Haven (Enterprise) Brisket, Lynnie Bo’s (Lineville) Hamburger Steak Plate, and Mitchell’s Smoked Meats (Muscle Shoals) Brisket Dinner.
“Since October is Beef Month in Alabama, it was the perfect time to showcase Alabama restaurants and the vital role they play in providing delicious, high-quality beef to local consumers,” said ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley. “We are so thankful for the restaurants involved in this contest and the fans who supported it.”
For questions regarding the contest, contact Josie Jones at josie@bamabeef.org or (334) 265-1867.