If chowing down on 20-plus burgers sounds like an ideal weeknight, gear up for the fourth-annual Burgerliscious, returning to Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park in Coral Gables this Thursday, November 6, from 6 to 10 p.m.
That gives you four hours to get your burger on and even go back for seconds. You'll need to vote for People's Choice, so make sure you've tried all of them and weighed the pros and cons.
See also: Burgerliscious: Shake Shack Wins (Photos)
Last year Burgerliscious crowned Shake Shack the burger king, while People's Choice went to Swine's patty made with a blend of short rib, brisket, and smoked pork. Both restaurants will return to this year's edition to duke it out with a new batch of competitors.
They include Christy's, Bulla, Bricktop's, Bread + Butter, Books & Books, Epicure, Shula's, Rok BRGR, Pincho Factory, Sushi Maki, Tarpon Bend, and more. Get ready to indulge in chorizo patties, brioche buns, scallop burgers, and lots of fried eggs. Expect at least one turkey burger thrown into the mix to make you feel better about all of that beef-eating (last year Books & Books delighted guests with a Greek turkey burger in a pita).
Judges have yet to be announced, but Short Order's very own Laine Doss will be on deck as one of the votes that will ultimately decide the 2014 Burgerliscious winner.
The festival invites only Coral Gables eateries to participate in the buntastic event to showcase the dining neighborhood's premier restaurants. "Our burger festival is designed to continue to position Coral Gables as a foodie mecca, no matter your style, budget, or gastronomic cravings. It is about more than meat and cheese and bacon and toppings; it is about the culinary experience," says Mark A. Trowbridge, president and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.
And because nothing pairs better with a burger than some beer, Sam Adams is returning as a sponsor, as well as Jack Daniel's, so you'll be able to imbibe all night long while listening to live entertainment by Mad World Orchestra and DJ Mayner. Coincidentally, the festival's musical performance will also kick off Miami Live Music Month.
Carnivores can purchase tickets online. General admission is $60 and includes six slider burgers and two Sam Adams brews. A $125 VIP ticket ups the ante to unlimited sliders and beer, early admission at 5 p.m., VIP tent access, and a commemorative stein.
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