MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Celebrities and burger lovers gathered on South Beach, Friday night, for the 11th annual Burger Bash at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
Rachael Ray returned to host her signature event with Heineken Light.
“It’s pretty epic that it’s a family, and a family that appreciates burgers,” Ray said. “Burgers are friendly and they’re for everyone, and they say everyone’s welcome.”
“Who doesn’t love a burger?” said Lee Schrager of SoBe Wine and Food Festival. “It’s America’s favorite food.”
Thirty-five restaurants showcased their best burgers at the $250-a-ticket event, as celebrity judges decide who will take the top spot.
“Rev Run, Aisha Curry, Adam Richman, Emilio Estefan, Jill Martin from the Today Show,” Schrager said. “So we have amazing judges judging the most amazing event for us this year.”
Chefs from around the country mixed classic and gourmet ingredients.
Andrew Zimmern, the host of Food Network’s Bizarre Foods, said he prefers a classic burger.
“People put really strange stuff on burgers, and I’m old fashioned,” he said. “I do burger, ketchup, period.”
One local favorite brought their special burgers.
“It’s our STK little burgers, Wagyu beef, special truffle sauce, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and a sesame bun,” said a chef from STK Miami Beach.
“Don’t mess with Texas,” said one chef. “We got a rib-eye burger with Hollandaise, lamb bacon, English muffin.”
Another restaurant made burgers without the meat.
“This is the future of pressing. We’re making it right here at Beyond Meat,” said Caitlin Grady from Beyond Meat. “We’re the only plant-based burger here, and it’s a great opportunity to show people what the future looks like.”
The People’s Choice award went to Miami Springs’ own Jr’s Gourmet Burgers.
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