Chef Michael Schwartz took top honors at the 2010 Amstel Light Burger Bash last night, earning the Allen Brothers Golden Grill Award - the judge's choice for best burger. Twenty-seven patties were battling for this and three other awards inside a smoky tent on the beach outside the Ritz-Carlton.
Schwartz prepared his Michael's Genuine Bacon Cheeseburger, served on a brioche bun and topped with house-smoked bacon, white cheddar, heirloom tomato and lettuce. It was definitely one of the best burgers of the night, and it was recognized by a group of judges that included Art Smith, Top Chef contestant Carla Hall, Food & Wine restaurant editor Kate Krader, Divya Gugnani of website Behind the Burner and Esquire's Ryan D'Agostino.