Mandurah Steakhouse chef Daryl Cardoz’s 2024 competition sandwich combined Margaret River black Angus sirloin, bacon, Japanese omelette and tempura onion rings on garlic bread, with curry-leaf chimichurri aioli as its signature sauce. The entry reflected Cardoz’s Indian and Portuguese heritage, but it did not appear among the competition’s published finalists or winners.
What was in Daryl Cardoz’s steak sandwich?
In a 17 May 2024 profile, Rachel Fenner reported for PerthNow and the Mandurah Times that Cardoz entered WA’s Best Steak Sandwich competition for the first time. The $30 sandwich was built from:
- Black Angus sirloin from Margaret River
- Bacon
- A Japanese omelette
- Tempura onion rings
- Garlic bread
- Curry-leaf chimichurri aioli
Cardoz described the idea as a fusion drawing on his Indian and Portuguese heritage. Curry leaf was the distinctive element in the sauce: “They’ve not tasted such a flavor because it’s a fusion concept. Curry leaf is used a lot in Asia and India and people only think of using it curries, but we put it into a steak sandwich.”
What is known about the curry-leaf sauce?
The profile identifies the sauce as curry-leaf chimichurri aioli and quotes Cardoz saying, “Everybody keeps asking us the recipe for the sauce.” It does not publish a recipe or say whether the leaves were fresh or dried, so there is no supported basis for presenting a home version as Cardoz’s formula.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: The Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill offers five ways to grill as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle.
- 5-IN-1 COOKING: This Cuisinart panini press and grill can handle everything from pancakes and sausages to grilled cheese to steaks, hamburgers, and panini.
- DUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROLS: Adjustable temperature controls adjust from "warm" to "sear" in grill/panini mode, and from 200°F to 425°F in griddle mode, ensuring everything is perfectly cooked every time.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The panini grill press sandwich maker includes a set of nonstick grill/griddle plates, removable drip tray, and a cleaning/scraping tool that’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: The PFAS-free Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
Fenner’s report also relayed Cardoz’s account that customers and people who tried the sandwich gave positive feedback. That is his description of the response, not a measured survey result.
How did Mandurah Steakhouse fare in the 2024 competition?
Cardoz hoped to reach the late-June cook-off when the profile appeared on 17 May; public voting was then due to close on 27 May. The subsequent results clarify the outcome:
Rank #2
- HUNGRY FOR A SANDWICH? With just the push of a button, this 4 Slice Grill-Panini Press Combo can be used to press your custom sandwich or open at 180 degrees for grilling burgers, steaks, veggies and anything else you’re craving quickly and easily! Use it as a panini press for perfectly crisped bread- no cooking spray required.
- ADJUSTABLE FOR ANY OCCASION: Floating hinge adjusts to accommodate any size sandwich – thick or thin. The closed cooking surface is ideal for four sandwiches or two large paninis. Great for a quick meal, summer party or a family event. This unit is perfect for making breakfast, lunch, dinner and more!
- COMPACT SIZE: Ideal for small kitchen spaces, dorm rooms, offices, and even bringing on road trips! The compact size takes up little counter or shelf space making storing your contact grill easy.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The tilt-up, skid resistant feet allows the grease to run to the drain at the back of the closed panini maker. The non-stick coated grill plates and removable drip tray makes for effortless cleaning.
- RESOURCES: UL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year assurance provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free - we've got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1000 Watts/120 Volts – RJ02-180-4
- On 31 May, the Australian Hotels Association (WA) announced finalists. Its account says 70 venues entered, with finalist selection drawing on public votes and mystery judge visits. Mandurah Steakhouse was not on the published finalist list. AHA WA’s finalist announcement also lists judging considerations including tenderness, composition and presentation, originality and creativity, chips, sauces, flavour and value for money.
- Cook-offs took place at Crown Perth on 25–26 June during the AHA Hospitality Expo. The competition had separate Perth metro and Country WA divisions.
- On 27 June, AHA WA named Carrington’s Bar & Grill the Perth metro winner and Treendale Farm Hotel the Country WA winner. Mandurah Steakhouse was recorded as a participant, but was not named among the winners. The organiser’s results announcement gives the winners.
Why the sandwich stood out as an idea
The reported combination crossed familiar steakhouse elements with a deliberately layered build: rich sirloin and bacon, a Japanese omelette, crisp tempura onion rings, and garlic bread, tied together by an aioli infused with curry leaf. Its point of difference was not simply an unusual topping; Cardoz connected the flavor to his heritage and to a spice he felt diners did not expect in a steak sandwich.
The title’s “winner” language captures Cardoz’s confidence in the curry-leaf twist at the time, not a competition award. The official finalist and winner records are the basis for distinguishing his entry from the 2024 results.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Adjustable temperature control (203-425°F) with indicator lights allows precise heat settings for various foods from sandwiches to grilled meats
- NON-STICK SURFACE: BPA-free ceramic coating plates offer effortless food release and easy cleaning
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Use as contact grill and panini press for sandwiches and meats with floating hinge to adjust for thickness, or open 180 degrees as flat grill for sausages and vegetables
- SAFE HANDLING: Heat-insulated plastic handle for comfortable and secure grip during cooking
- CONVENIENT FEATURES: Includes dishwasher-safe oil drip tray and space-saving vertical storage capability
Rank #4
- VERSATILITY ON YOUR COUNTERTOP: The Panini Press and Gourmet Sandwich Maker is great for making a variety of hot savory sandwiches, paninis, quesadillas, personal pizzas, open-face sandwiches and appetizers.
- FITS LARGER SANDWICHES AND QUESADILLAS: The 10" x 8" nonstick top and bottom grill plates fit two quesadillas, one large sandwich or two regular-sized sandwiches. The plates are ribbed to leave grill marks on your sandwiches and other foods.
- EVENLY PRESS SANDWICHES: This hot sandwich maker features a floating top plate to accommodate and evenly press sandwiches whether they're thin or piled high. Great for making thick sandwiches like Reubens and subs.
- EASILY MELTS CHEESE: Lock the cover in place above food to melt cheese on open-face sandwiches, or lock completely open when reheating pizza or making bruschetta.
- COMPACT UPRIGHT STORAGE The storage latch locks the sandwich maker closed to compactly store in a kitchen cabinet, drawer or on your countertop.
Rank #3
- HUNGRY FOR A SANDWICH? With just the push of a button, this Grill-Panini Press Combo can be used to press your custom sandwich or open at 180 degrees for grilling burgers, steaks, veggies and anything else you’re craving quickly and easily! Use it as a panini press for perfectly crisped bread- no cooking spray required.
- ADJUSTABLE FOR ANY OCCASION: Floating hinge adjusts to accommodate any size sandwich – thick or thin. Closed cooking surface of 5.5'' x 8.75'' is ideal for two sandwiches, while lay-flat surface of 10'' x 8.75'' can accommodate a variety of food. Great for a quick meal, summer party or a family event.
- COMPACT SIZE: Ideal for small kitchen spaces, dorm rooms, offices, and even bringing on road trips! The compact size takes up little counter or shelf space making storing your contact grill easy.
- EASY CLEANING: The tilt-up, skid resistant feet allow the grease to run to the drain at the back of the closed panini maker. The non-stick coated grill plates and removable drip tray makes for effortless cleaning.
- RESOURCES: UL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year assurance provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free - we've got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1000 Watts/120 Volts - RJ02-180
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
