AlwaysSoBe: Symon and Schwartz Take Burger Bash

February 26, 2010

Clockwise from top: B Spot’s Fat Doug Burger, Michael’s Genuine Bacon Cheeseburger, Morimoto’s Pork “Kakuni” Burger, and The Standard Hotel’s Mini Blue Burger.

The burger barons came out to play at last night’s Amstel Light Burger Bash, kicking off the 2010 South Beach Wine & Food Festival in epically gluttonous style. Presented by Allen Brothers, and hosted by Rachel Ray, the event featured entries from 27 chefs from around the country.

Returning champ, Spike Mendelsohn, still riding high off his victory in New York, came prepared to throw down. Spike was surrounded by a cheering squad, and donned boxing gloves and a robe, like the Ali of Burgers. His Farmhouse Bacon Cheeseburger was solid, but ultimately it was Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, holding home court advantage, who took home the Golden Grill Award for his Michael’s Genuine Bacon Cheeseburger.

For the people’s choice award, it all came down to a tight race between fellow Iron Chefs Bobby Crunch Master Flay and Michael Symon. In the end, Symon’s Fat Doug Burger triumphed over Flay’s crunchified Dallas Burger. We couldn’t agree more. As much as we enjoyed Blackberry Farm’s Chow Chow Cheeseburger and Marc Burger’s Crunchy BBQ Kobe Burger, Symon’s combination of a juicy patty, salty, crunchy pastrami bits, and a soft potato roll was easily our favorite.

People’s Choice Award

B
 Spot’s “Fat Doug Burger” with Swiss, Pastrami and Coleslaw.

Golden Grill Award

Michael’s Genuine Bacon Cheeseburger from Michael’s Genuine Food & Wine.

Best Dressed Burger

Morimoto’s Pork “Kakuni” Burger.

Best Side Dish

The Standard Hotel’s Mini Blue Burger with Homemade Tater Tots.

Other Favorites

Blackberry Farm’s Chow Chow Cheeseburger.

Good Stuff Eatery’s Farmhouse Bacon Cheeseburger.

Marc Burger’s Crunchy BBQ Kobe Burger.