Amstel Light Burger Bash
The burger barons came out to play at last night's Amstel Light Burger Bash, kicking off the 2010 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival in epic gluttonous style. Presented by Allen Brothers, and hosted by Rachel Ray, the event featured entries from 27 chefs from across the U.S.
Returning champ, Spike Mendelsohn, riding high off his victory in New York City, came prepared to throw down. He wore boxing gloves and a robe, and was surrounded by a cheering squad, like some Ali of Burgers. His Farmhouse Bacon Cheeseburger was solid, but ultimately, Michael Schwartz, holding home court advantage (Michael's Genuine Food & Drink), took home the Golden Grill Award for his Michael's Genuine Bacon Cheeseburger.
The people's choice award was 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. As much as you may have 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 an easy favorite.