Congrats to Melissa Everatt, the 2015 Burger Throwdown Winner
The weather was spectacular as we kicked off the 3rd Annual Bay Breeze Patio Burger Throwdown, March 28. While there were a couple of returning competitors, there were lots of new faces showcasing their culinary prowess for a chance to earn the coveted title of “Best Burger on the Coast.” In addition, we added an element this year. Each contestant was required to incorporate a Wayne’s Get Grillin’ Rub in their burger creation. The results were impressive!
Left to right: Matt Alagrin, Brenda Shoffner, Lauren Delgado, Jim Bagby, Dom Damiano
The distinguished panel of judges, included local media, chefs and VIPs:
Brenda Shoffner & Lauren Delagdo, Food Section editors for the Northwest Florida Daily News (Read about Brenda’s experience in her NWFDN column)
Matt Algarin, editor of the Destin Log/burger & beer aficionado
Jim Bagby, executive director of the South Walton Tourist Development Council & taste tester for Perfect In South Walton Awards
Chef Dom Damiano, founder of Fat Clemenza’s
Melissa Everatt wins the 2015 Bay Breeze Patio Burger Throwdown
We’re excited to announce that Melissa Everatt of Tri-State Distributors was our BIG winner for 2015. Melissa knocked it out of the park in all categories–flavor, creativity and appearance/presentation. Her entry was the Fleur de Lis Burger and she went all out with her New Orleans theme. From the Fleur de Lis on her apron to the Mardi Gras beads and purple and green lettuce used to cradle the burger to accompanying Abita Beer, Melissa’s theme and presentation was exceptional. But since flavor was 50% of the score, Melissa had to prove her culinary skills. She started with a ground pork/sirloin patty, which was wrapped around sausage, seasoned with the Easy Breezy Cajun Wayne’s Get Grillin’ Rub and grilled to perfection. Then it was topped with provolone cheese and muffuletta-relish and Creole mustard. Judge Brenda Shoffner even declared “it tasted like New Orleans on a bun”. The scores from the five judges proved Melissa was the clear winner.
Here’s overview of the delicious creations created by each team:
Team 1: Doug Mordecai, Big Green Egg – Cheese Stuffed Burger
Team 2: Jim Ed, Broilmaster – Blue Burger
Team 3: Scott, Broilmaster – Spicy Mushroom Burger
Team 4: Lyden Lewis, FireMagic – Flyin’ Hawaiian
Team 5: Marcela, Memphis Wood Fire Grill, Surf & Turf
Team 6: Jamie Grieve, Fat Clemenza’s -FireMagic Echelon – Lamb Burger
Team 7: Aurora & Aaron of Rollin’ Smoke on Big Green Egg
Team 8: Melissa Everatt of Tri-State Distributors on FireMagic – Fleur de Lis Burger
Melissa’s winning Fleur de Lis Burger
Team 9: Bob Kirk, Big Green Egg – Ultimate Backyard Burger
We invite you to join us next year. In the meantime, save the date for the 2nd Annual Big Green EggFest “Eggs on the Beach” Sept. 26, 2015 at Seascape Resort. Join the fun as a cook team, sponsor or taster!