A Bite of Local Cuisine

A Bite of Local Cuisine

Home Entries

Chefs compete for the second year in Aberdeen’s Pheasant Sandwich Shootout

There aren’t many places that offer pheasant sandwiches on their menu, but South Dakota’s leading bird again filled plates at the second annual Pheasant Sandwich Shootout cooking competition. The event, hosted by the Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, took place on November 8 at the Civic Arena. Staff members from the South Dakota Department of Tourism, including Wanda Goodman and Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen, served as judges.

Taking home first place, bragging rights, and a cash prize among the seven home chefs was Mary Keahey. Her grilled panini sandwich had pheasant breast meat topped with caramelized onions and gouda cheese. Meanwhile, five competitors entered the restaurant chef category. Minveras’ Tara Schipke came away with victory for her pulled pheasant sandwich with gouda cheese and homemade cranberry sauce, which she served smothered in gravy on rosemary focaccia bread and with a side of homemade stuffing. Several Aberdeen high school students also added their culinary talents into the ring this year, submitting entries in both the home chef and restaurant divisions. // –Jenny Roth