Let's talk about the Sizzlin at Sunset Steak Cookoff with Evie and Eli!

Evie and Eli are a dynamic duo with a deep love for food, adventure, and building unforgettable experiences. Based in Las Vegas, they're both certified SCA judges, and passionate foodies. Eli is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, global traveler, and expert builder of custom off-road vehicles. In 2023, he introduced the Military Class to King of the Hammers—his own creation, inspired by converting a 2011 Armorworks Hyena Military Prototype into an Ultra4 race truck. Evie is a top-tier Google Maps restaurant reviewer—ranked in the top 10 worldwide—a creator of unforgettable events, and the designer behind the off-road vehicle that took her and Eli to second place in their class at the 2022 Mint 400. Known for her unique blend of creativity and authenticity, she turns every experience into something truly special. THE VENUE In Spring 2024, they purchased a 5-acre property in Homewood Canyon just outside Death Valley National Park and opened Base Camp Death Valley as an event venue in March 2025. The centerpiece is the Desert Rose Manor, a 6,000 sq ft, four-story colonial home featuring stunning exterior wrought ironwork by the late Raymon Larose—a legendary West Coast blacksmith whose work graces the homes of Frank Sinatra and Barbra Walters, and properties owned by Paramount, Universal, Disney Studios, MGM Grand, as well as creations for Barry Manilow, Michael Jackson, The Osmond Family, and many more. While the Manor's interior is currently undergoing a careful remodel, the exterior will be beautifully finished in time for the October 2025 event—offering a gorgeous backdrop. Guests at Base Camp Death Valley can enjoy one of Larose's remarkable creations up close—the wedding arch made from wrought iron gates originally crafted for Barbra Walters' house. Though these gates were damaged by a visitor before they could be shipped, Larose rebuilt a new set and later repaired the originals. The restored gates now serve as a striking and historic backdrop for the wedding ceremony area, offering attendees a unique glimpse into the artistry that enriches the property. Don't let the reputation of the Death Valley heat scare you away—Base Camp sits at a refreshing 3,000 feet in elevation, often 5–10 degrees cooler than Las Vegas, NV. October temperatures are ideal, and the night sky? Absolutely unreal. As a designated 100% DarkZone, Base Camp offers one of the clearest, darkest stargazing experiences on Earth. THE EVENT On October 11, 2025, they'll host the inaugural Sizzlin at Sunset Steak Cookoff, a fully SCA-sanctioned event featuring Golden Ticket opportunities for Steak and Ancillaries—making it the final qualifying event before the SCA World Championships in Fort Worth March 2026. And because ticket winners can't take home more than one Golden Ticket in a category, it's a prime opportunity for novice competitors to snag a spot. The legendary Ken Phillips, SCA Co-Founder, will serve as the SCA event rep. Competitors can camp onsite(limited spaces available) or take advantage of discounted lodging in nearby Ridgecrest, CA (just 37 miles away). Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a backyard cook ready to try your hand, the Sizzlin at Sunset Steak Cookoff is shaping up to be one of the most exciting, welcoming, and visually stunning events of the season.