It was a prime burger throwdown at Millennium park on Friday night, as the kickoff party to Chicago Gourmet pitted 15 of Chicago's best chefs competing for top burger honors. The event was sponsored by Chicago's very own Allen Brothers, and each chef could choose their own blend of meats and fat ratios to craft their burgers.
Food Network's Jeff Mauro(The Sandwich King) went with a prime 100% chuck grind, 80/20 fat ratio, to craft his crunch cherry pepper griddle burger(a mouthful just to say!). Rockit Bar & Grill's Chef Amanda Downing went with a prime chuck blend to complete her classic Rockit burger with melted brie.
The judges of the Hamburger Hop consisted of some heavy hitters. Graham Elliot, of Chicago and "Master Chef" fame, joined world renowned Chef Hubert Keller and creator of Blue Moon Brewing Keith Villa.
Having tasted every burger offered that night, I knew the judges had a difficult decision, but after the votes were tallied, Scott Walton of Howells & Hood won for his burger topped with kimchi and carrot bacon(mind blown!) Jeff Mauro won the peoples choice award for his burger, and for the record, that was my favorite burger of the night!
I also spent some time at the fest on Saturday drinking some wine, eating some delish samples from area restaurants and attending seminars and demos with local area chefs that were hosted by Bon Appetit's Adam Rapport and Andrew Knowlton.
Below are some pictures, and stay tuned this week for my video recap of the Hamburger Hop featuring interviews with all the talent listed above!
The Winning Burger by Howells & Hood
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