After 10 days and 30 burgers, the 3rd Annual Burger Bender is now concluded and the winners for popular vote (best burger), most creative, and critic’s choice have been announced.
In an email to supporters and readers on Monday, Discover Newport announced the following;
10 Days of Tasting Revealed Newport’s Best Burger
For the second year in a row, La Forge Casino Restaurant has taken top honors by securing the popular vote in the Newport Burger Bender contest. The Bellevue Avenue restaurant’s “Winterburger” was comprised of an 8 oz. ground brisket blend patty topped with signature slow-braised short rib, baby arugula, cheddar and smoked bacon-cranberry jam on a toasted brioche bun.
Burger Bender Winner – Critic’s Choice
Jenna Pelletier, food writer at the Providence Journal, named The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar’s “Sweet N’ Spicy” burger her Critic’s Choice. “The toppings, pepper jack cheese, pineapple jalapeño marmalade, Cajun bacon, and fried onion strings added flavor and texture in a creative way without overwhelming the star of the show – a perfectly cooked Brandt Farms beef patty,” said Pelletier. “It was a welcome surprise from a restaurant known for its seafood, and the Newport Harbor view, even in the frigid weather, didn’t hurt either.”
Burger Bender Winner – Most Creative
Jamie Coelho, Associate Editor at Rhode Island Monthly and author of The Dish, the magazine’s popular newsletter, has crowned Chomp’s “Towering Inferno” the Creative Champion. “Not only were the toppings nostalgic and over-the-top (Andy Capp Hot Fries and deep-fried jalapeno and cheddar cream cheese bomb), but the patties themselves were unmatched,” said Coelho. “The mortadella pork patty had such a rich flavor and quality texture, and the dollop of guacamole gave me just enough reassurance that it was just a tiny bit healthy.”