This Friday, the Riverwalk Trust will host BurgerBattle; a "contest" to determine the "best" burger in Fort Lauderdale. 16 local establishments will try to woo a panel of secret judges for the right to the semi-legitimate claim to having a pretty good burger.
One rule, according to event organizer Jackie Chavez, is that the burger must be beef-based. Why is that, I ask? Meatballs are usually a blend of meats, and what's wrong with submitting a turkey burger, or even Bison? It seems like a silly restriction to me. In fact, it seems to me that the sole requirement should be that the burgers at the contest should be the same burgers that they serve at the restaurant. Isn't that the point? Is this a contest of who has the best burger in town, or is it a contest of who can come up with the best burger in town, even if you can't actually go to a restaurant and have it?
Another issue is that most of the best burger joints in town aren't participating: Five Guys, Le Tub, Charm City Burgers, Jack's, Steak 954, Treasure Trove. I don't care for California Burgers and Shakes, but were they even asked? The little guys, unfortunately, can't afford to participate in a "charity" event.
So what will we really learn at this contest? Not much. But its something to do. Of course I'll be there, and I'll have a full report on my impressions and my selection for best burger at the contest.
The contestents will be competing for the honor of displaying the BurgerBattle Trophy, a creation of local artist George Gadson.
Will Capital Grille or Johnny V's be displaying this trophy if they happen to win? You make the call.
The judges for the "contest" will be 2 ex Miami Dolphins, two local Chefs and a local Blogger.
Hopefully whoever wins won't put up a cheesy banner proclaiming that they have the Best Burger in South Florida.
The Event
When: Friday June 4, 2010
Where: The Riverside Hotel's Great Lawn (aka The Lawn Where O'Haras Was)
Tickets: www.goriverwalk.com