This summer the Iowa State Fair once again highlights a beloved local tradition: the hot beef sundae, now celebrating two decades of service to fairgoers. First introduced in 2006 by Michelle Baumhover and then‑manager John Mortimer of Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, the dish was born from a simple idea to use leftover roast‑beef trimmings.
From humble beginnings to a fair staple
Baumhover recalled hearing about a “steak parfait” and deciding that mashed potatoes, gravy, roast beef, cheese and a cherry tomato would make a more comforting version. The original expectation was modest – about 4,000 servings in the inaugural year. The reality far exceeded that goal, with 22,000 hot beef sundaes sold, prompting calls from fans as far away as London, Japan and the Calgary Stampede.
Family stewardship keeps the tradition alive
When Mortimer retired, Wayne Baumhover, Michelle’s husband, assumed leadership of Beef Quarters and has continued to serve the sundae to new generations. “It is kind of weird that she was the one that started it and now I’m dealing with it,” Wayne joked, underscoring the family’s ongoing role in the fair’s culinary history.
Michelle Baumhover attributes the dish’s staying power to its comforting, nostalgic qualities. “It’s comforting; it reminds them of home, reminds them of family,” she said, noting that the simple, hearty flavors resonate with visitors seeking a taste of home while they enjoy the fair’s excitement.
Celebrating the milestone
To mark the 20th anniversary, Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters is offering commemorative hot beef sundae T‑shirts online. Fair attendees who wear the shirt at the event receive a free sundae, encouraging both new and returning fans to partake in the celebration.
The sundae remains a fixture at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters stand, where long lines continue to form each day of the fair. Its popularity reflects a broader trend of regional foods becoming cultural touchstones, linking families and communities through shared culinary experiences.
Where to find the sundae and fair coverage
Visitors can locate the hot beef sundae at the Beef Quarters booth within the fairgrounds. For those unable to attend in person, KCCI 8 News provides live coverage from the MidAmerican Energy Stage each weekday at 4:30 p.m., and streaming is available via the Very Local app.
The hot beef sundae’s 20‑year run exemplifies how a simple, family‑run idea can become an enduring part of Iowa’s cultural landscape, offering a comforting reminder of home for fairgoers from near and far.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
