Fort Lauderdale’s second annual Burger Battle went down Friday night, May 13th. It was held at the Riverside Hotel Lawn at 620 E. Las Olas Blvd. The $40 prepaid ticket got you burgers from 15 competing local restaurants, samples from the French fry bar, and three drink tickets. Sponsors Publix, Apron’s Cooking School, and Krystal also offered samples. There were VIP tickets available for $125 but they were not worth it. The VIP section was nothing to brag about. Plus, I like “mingling” with the people and being in the crowd. 
The restaurants competing were: Capital Grille, Morton’s The Steakhouse, new comers ROK: BRGR and Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill, Johnny V Restaurant, Big City Tavern, Pelican Landing at Pier Sixty-Six Marina, Chef Allen’s Burger Bar, Riverside Hotel, Tarpon Bend, Timpano Chophouse & Martini Bar, Blue Plate at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Rare Las Olas, Hard Rock Café and Georgie’s Alibi. Last year, the burger from Georgie's Alibi in Wilton Manors was the judges’ favorite, while Capital Grille was the fan favorite.I sampled every single burger there and I must say that Gilbert’s 17th St Grill’s Havarti Burger was simply amazing! The patty, like always was unbelievably good. Richard was kind enough and made one Medium rare for me. It also had bacon, Havarti cheese all inside a garlic butter toasted English muffin. I could eat this for breakfast any day of the week. It just had that feel to it. If it was missing anything, it was a fried egg. If so, they would’ve taken first place!
For the second straight year Georgie’s Alibi took first place in the judges vote. I think the fan vote counts for more, and that's were ROK: BRGR came in, taking first place! ROK: BRGR continues to prove its point that they have the best burger in town!
Honestly, this event will only get bigger and bigger. The event just passed, and I'm already counting the days until the next one! Until then stay hungry...
Click to view entire 2011 Burger battle album: http://www.facebook.com/bluewaterkingfla81#!/media/set/?set=a.1915208611510.2110125.1580801122
Give credit where credit is due. The Alibi was overall winner judged by culinary experts, teachers of the art and nationally recognized chefs. I'm in the industry and this is not easy to do, give the Alibi the deserved accolades
ReplyDeletealong with your "public" opinion. Two consecutive years has to say something. That's no fluke,and the experts agree in a blind tasting.
Las Olas Resident.
Well I did mention that they won the judges vote two years in a row. Without a doubt I really enjoyed eating the burger from Alibi; so much that I plan to make a visit. But I did not think it was best. The judges had there opinion, I have mine and the people had there’s. Also I like to mention the vanilla shake with chocolate covered bacon…REALLY! Insanely good.
ReplyDeleteRiverwalk Trust hosts the third annual Burger Battle™ on Friday, May 11, 2012 from 7 to 10pm under the stars along the Riverwalk at Huizenga Plaza (new location!). This sizzling event promises to pit twenty four (24) top restaurants against one another as they show off their creative juices and grilling skills to over 1000 guests along the scenic New River. This is a 21+ event.
ReplyDeleteBigger: New Location - Huizenga Plaza - Outdoors
Beefier: 24 Contenders (past Battles were 16)
Enhanced VIP Experience
Georgie's Alibi 2x winning sliders paired with craft Beer Floats
Open Premier Bar featuring Jack Daniels & Barefoot Wines & Bubbly
Desserts (if there is room!) from Susie's Scrumptious Sweets
Community Property returns to rock the event!
Doc Reno Big 105.9 returns as Master of Ceremonies
New Chef Driven Judging Panels
New Awards for types of restaurant